New CTO to Lead Development of Next Generation Molded Optics Technology


Rochester, NY. -January 11, 2011 -William Hurley, president Rochester Precision Optics announced the appointment of Dr. Yazid Tohme to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective immediately. Dr. Tohme was previously Research and Development Manager at Moore Nanotechnology Systems. Over the past 10 years Dr. Tohme led the design and development of Moore Nanotechnology System's Ultra Precision Glass Press Molding Machine, Single Point Diamond Turning machines and other equipment in the production of aspheric and freeform optics.

Dr. Tohme's background includes numerous papers including academic and government research on economical methods for production of compression molded precision aspherical elements. Dr. Tohme's predictive glass molding using computational models lead him and his team to the creation and design of Moore's Precision Glass molding press. Bringing this knowledge together with Rochester Precision Optics molding process and technology acquired from Kodak in 2005 will strengthen RPO's strategic position.

Commenting on the CTO appointment, Hurley said, "The appointment of Yazid to the Chief Technology Officer position fills an important and strategic leadership role in the company and the industry. Technology is our lifeblood in an industry where innovation drives customer value. Hurley added that "one of Yazid's primary responsibilities is to create a sense of community among the company's technology employees, and reinforce a culture that recognizes and rewards innovation and excellence."

"Having spent my entire career within optics and optical machine industry, I understand the importance of driving technology and the effect it can have on a company's reputation and bottom line," says Tohme. "By bringing years of experience in the optics machine tool community to RPO, I believe I can provide valuable insight into the technology needs and wants of customers.

"Yazid possesses the proper blend of experience and technical vision while maintaining the 'hands-on' developer perspective that is critical for success in this position," says Hurley. "Combined with a wealth of operational and technical experience, Yazid will have an instant impact helping us build upon the strong momentum the company has established over the past several years.

Yazid Tohme received his PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and his MBA from the University of Massachusetts.

About Rochester Precision Optics

Rochester Precision Optics was formed in 2005 when it acquired the manufacturing technology, intellectual properties and assets from Kodak Optical Imaging Systems. RPO is a leading optics manufacturer providing components and full optical systems to both defense and commercial markets. Its commercial markets are served by both their Shanghai, China location and their headquarters in Rochester, New York. RPO has over 80,000 square feet of modern optical manufacturing and specializes in leveraging its aspheric optics capabilities to provide lightweight and affordable optical sub-systems.

All Topics