People at
Schneider-Kreuznach

Piet Thiele is responsible for the strategic and operational management and development of the Photo/Cine business unit. He is responsible for the development of the business unit's structures, organization, processes and systems. This includes responsibility for sales, P&L, budget and resources. Within the business unit he is responsible for marketing, product management, business development and internal and external sales.

Piet came to Schneider-Kreuznach through previous activities in the photographic industry. He first came into contact with the company during a practical phase of his studies. He worked on a film scanner for a project at his then employer in Darmstadt and collaborated with Schneider-Kreuznach. During this time he came across a job advertisement for a product manager for cine filters. He applied to us and was offered a permanent position.

He finds his work particularly motivating: "Above all, working with great people, both internally and externally. I want to give users the tools they need to tell their stories in their own way. I've been a big movie fan since I was a kid, and with education came a passion for photography and all the technology behind it. Working in these markets and meeting all the people there is like a gift to me. I'm incredibly grateful.

Schneider-Kreuznach is an interesting employer for Piet because the company has a long history with many milestones. However, you still work internationally and in a more family-like environment than in a large corporation. This means that you are in control of the projects - from the idea to the finished product. It is possible to implement and react to feedback from the market. Before joining Schneider-Kreuznach, Piet worked for some time in the photography industry. He has a journeyman's certificate as a photographer and spent a decade as a photo retailer, managing a branch. Other sales positions followed. He also holds an IHK qualification as a commercial specialist in Photo+Media Technology and a Bachelor of Engineering in Media Technology. In his free time, Piet enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and baking. He is particularly interested in other people's careers. When not hiking or traveling, Piet is open to the latest technology trends - and of course, good movies.

Magnus Greger has been Head of the Industry Business Unit at Schneider-Kreuznach since 2021. Prior to this, he held various positions in the sales organization, including responsibility for global development projects and the position of Sales Manager for EMEA. His expertise and commitment make him an important pillar in the Industry Business Unit team.

Magnus has extensive experience in optics, mechanical design, electrical and software engineering. His knowledge is based on his studies in physical technologies. He started his career as an optical engineer and was heavily involved in the development and testing of high-end lenses. He later took on project management responsibilities and acted as an interface between development departments in complex projects.

Magnus supports our international customers as a contact person and problem solver in the realization of even the most demanding technical requirements. His ability to master complex technical challenges makes him a valuable resource for our company.

Stuart Singer is a distinguished figure in the field of optical engineering and management, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Optics, Inc. With a remarkable career spanning over 45 years, Stuart brings a wealth of expertise in optical engineering, lens design, and technical sales across diverse industries.

Prior to his current role, Stuart held key positions at Schneider Optics, including Senior Vice President & CTO, where he spearheaded technological innovation and strategic direction for seven years. Before joining Schneider Optics, Stuart served as the Optical Engineering Manager at Loral Fairchild Systems (formerly Fairchild Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems) for 14 years, showcasing his adeptness in managing complex optical projects.

Stuart's contributions extend beyond corporate roles, as he also served as the Senior Technical Director of Ruda Cardinal, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in designing intricate optical systems. As a Senior Member of the Optical Engineering Society - SPIE, Stuart has actively contributed to the advancement of optical technology and shared his expertise through numerous technical papers and lectures.

Stuart's achievements in the field have been recognized with prestigious awards, including a National Emmy Award in 2012 for his pivotal role in developing an IRND Filter for Digital Motion Picture Cameras, highlighting his significant impact on the motion picture and television industries. His dedication to advancing optical engineering and his extensive experience make him a respected leader in the field.

JR Baek always starts conversations with a smile when meeting people for the first time. Before joining Schneider-Kreuznach in March 2016, he worked at several companies, including AMAT, NOVA, NXP, MANZ, and Basler. Based on his diverse experiences, he has played a pioneering role in the industry, anticipating changes and preparing accordingly. His South Korean background, combined with his ability to advise customers in their own language, has earned him a lot of trust from customers.

Based in South Korea, JR focuses on building long-term relationships and driving business development across the region. His approach to meeting new customers and creating new business opportunities is an exciting challenge for the company, giving customers the expectation that they will receive the best products.

Lena Förster is in her second year of training as an industrial clerk. During this time, she is familiarizing herself with various departments at Schneider-Kreuznach. So far, she has familiarized herself with purchasing, accounting, controlling, human resources, production and supply chain management. She always has new tasks. In the purchasing department, she had to obtain and compare quotations and place orders. She also had to check order confirmations. In Supply Chain Management, on the other hand, she created Excel lists to remind suppliers of deadlines, for example, and maintained the requirements and stock lists on a daily basis.

In the third year of the apprenticeship, the apprentices specialize in a later area of expertise. Apprentices are often hired to work in Trade Compliance Management or Strategic Purchasing. During the three-year training program, Lena also attends vocational school in Bad Kreuznach. This is done part-time on one or two days a week.

Lena came to Schneider-Kreuznach because she already knew the company. It is well known in the Bad Kreuznach area and when she was looking for an apprenticeship, the information about us appealed to her. Lena particularly likes the variety of tasks and the fact that as a trainee she quickly gets an overview. By being involved in the day-to-day business, she quickly understands the connections between different areas of responsibility. Lena also likes the working atmosphere and the passion our employees have for our products.

Shawn Liu studied Computer Science and Technology and focused on 3D reconstruction in computer vision during his postgraduate thesis. This research background led him into the machine vision industry as a technical engineer. In 2010, he joined Schneider-Kreuznach in China, where he was responsible for business development and distributor training for industrial optical products. He also supported other business units in ensuring the successful implementation of their projects in China.

During this time, Schneider-Kreuznach’s industrial optics business established a strong position in the Chinese market, particularly in high-end printing inspection, consumer electronics, PCB, and railway applications. A special highlight was the company’s 100th anniversary celebration during the 2013 Machine Vision Exhibition in Shanghai, which Shawn organized with nearly 70 industry-leading companies. The event strengthened Schneider-Kreuznach’s reputation as a high-end brand.

From 2013 to 2015, Shawn studied for his MBA at Shenzhen University and worked at Basler AG, where he gained valuable insights into business operations and market dynamics. In 2015, he returned to Schneider-Kreuznach to build the Asia team. Since then, he has been leading Schneider Optical Technology Co., Ltd. as General Manager and serving as Sales Director of Asia Industrial Optics.

Stefan Wusterhausen is an electroplating technician. Electroplating is a process that uses chemical processes to coat surfaces with metallic coatings, such as copper. Electricity is passed through an electrolytic bath. The metal to be applied to the object, such as a lens mount, is connected to the anode. The metal is ionized by the current, dissolves in the bath and is deposited on the lens mount, which is connected to the cathode. The result is a uniform coating. 

Mr. Wusterhausen is responsible for developing, describing and documenting new electroplating processes. He also monitors the parameters of the baths and electrolytes using measuring instruments and analytical methods in the laboratory and inspects the electroplating systems. This also includes the control of waste water from electroplating processes. As Mr. Wusterhausen is also a trainer for the profession of Surface Coater (m/f/d), he also instructs new employees and provides general support in the area of training. He also corresponds with suppliers, customers and the sales department.

What he likes about his job is that every day brings something new and you work as part of a team with your colleagues. His work also brings him into contact with the company's management. What he likes about Schneider-Kreuznach as an employer is the working atmosphere and the family feel. After training as an electroplater, he completed further training to become a state-certified technician specializing in electroplating and is a master craftsman. Mr. Wusterhausen is married with two children. In addition to walking his dog, he has discovered paragliding.

Claudia Baier is Product Manager Cine in the Photo/Cine Division. Her tasks include looking after the entire range of cine filters and lenses: what ideas are there for new products, where are further developments necessary, what will be removed from the range? Claudia prepares technical documentation, business cases, specifications and compares market prices. She gives presentations and lectures to train colleagues and customers. She also works closely with product marketing and attends trade shows.

Before Claudia came to Schneider-Kreuznach, she was previously a customer and distributor, so she already knew the products and her colleagues. Her motivation? Teamwork! As a product manager, you work with many departments across divisions, have close contact with customers and work internationally. You can also play an active role in shaping the future. 

What Claudia likes about Schneider-Kreuznach is that, on the one hand, it is a medium-sized family-owned company and, on the other hand, it is internationally positioned and has a large vertical range of manufacture. 

Claudia holds a journeyman in photography and a diploma engineer degree in imaging science and media technology from the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, Germany. Before taking over the Cine Product Management, she worked for our Industrial Optics Division. Prior to that, she held various positions in sales, marketing, technical support and product management at other companies in the industry and brings more than 20 years of professional experience in cine, photography, industrial optics, and lighting technology to her work. In her free time, Claudia enjoys trying new things, learning about new cultures and baking. 

Jörg Blätz is Key Account Manager and Team Lead of the EMEA Sales Team for Schneider-Kreuznach's Industrial Optics Division. He specializes in European distribution and support for key accounts in the machine vision market. He joined the company in 2001 and has contributed significantly to its growth with his expertise in optics and imaging technology. Previously, Joerg held product and sales management positions with companies specializing in high-resolution measurement and vision systems. Joerg holds a degree in Technical Physics from the Rhein Main University of Applied Sciences in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Jörg plays a key role in maintaining Schneider-Kreuznach's high standards of product sales and customer support. His technical expertise and customer-focused approach contribute to the company's success and innovation in this area.

Nicolas Douradou is Sales Engineer and Business Development Manager specializing in industrial optics with more than 15 years of international experience across leading companies such as Panasonic Industry Europe, and Thales. 
With a strong technical background in optics, lasers, and imaging, combined with proven expertise in business development and sales, he bridges the gap between advanced optical technologies and customer requirements worldwide.
Passionate about bringing innovation to life, Nicolas connects cutting-edge optical solutions with real-world industrial applications. 
At Schneider Kreuznach, he drives global business development in industrial optics by combining technical know-how with a genuine focus on customer success and long-term collaboration.

Multilingual in English, French, and German, NIcolas thrives in international environments and enjoys building strong partnerships across industries and cultures.