Carl Zeiss Sports Optics said Michael Jensen will assume the title of President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics North America, effective Sept.1, 2011.


Jensen joined Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, LLC in April as VP of Sales and Marketing and will continue to work closely with Erik Schumacher, outgoing President, to ensure a seamless transition.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this exceptional company,” said Jensen. “Carl Zeiss Sports Optics North America has been growing strongly during the past two years, despite the struggling economy. I will continue to work together with Erik for a very smooth transition, and I look forward to continuing the growth path at an even more accelerated pace.”


“Carl Zeiss Sports Optics has high aspirations and Mike’s background and deep industry experience make him an ideal choice to take the company to the next level,” said Richard Schmidt, Chairman of the Board of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, LLC and President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH. “We are on a good growth path, and the North American market continues to be an instrumental part of our expansion plans on the global level. The Board of Directors expresses their appreciation for the work Erik Schumacher has done for Carl Zeiss Sports Optics in the US over the past years, and wishes him well in his future endeavors.”


“Mike’s deep experience in hunting, shooting sports and nature observation and his extensive industry relationships are already creating additional opportunities for Zeiss to form strategic partnerships in the industry,” said James A. Sharp , President of Carl Zeiss Sports Inc. and Board Member of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, LLC. “I look forward to continue working together with Mike in the future and I wish him and the company continued success.


Jensen brings more than 25 years of experience in the hunting and shooting sports to his role at Carl Zeiss. Prior to joining the Zeiss team, he was Vice President of Distribution with The Freedom Group Family of Companies, served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Marlin Firearms Co., served as General Manager of the Sigarms Hunting Division and spent seven years as a Sales Manager with Swarovski Optik NA Ltd.


“The ZEISS brand is synonymous with quality and innovation,” continued Jensen. “We have very aggressive growth plans and, through exceptional product innovations that are already in the pipeline, marketing communication investments, customer focus and strategic partnerships, we will dramatically increase brand visibility and consumer demand for Zeiss. Consumers will be the ones to ultimately benefit.”