Len Lauer, CEO of Memjet, passed away unexpectedly at his home in La Jolla, California on April 13th. He was 62 years old. Lauer was named the CEO of Memjet in 2010 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2012. A regular visitor to Australia where Memjet's R&D is headquartered, he was always approachable and affable, with an obvious passion for Memjet technology.
 |
| Len Lauer, late Memjet CEO - passionate about technology |
"On behalf of our Board of Directors and employees worldwide we extend our deepest sympathies to Len’s family during this very difficult time," said Tony Duddy, Memjet’s group president, R&D and operations and board member. "An outstanding leader, visionary, and champion for high-quality, innovative digital printing technology for all markets, Len was a tireless advocate for Memjet Technology, our employees, and for delivering beautiful precision to the OEM partnership communities we serve as and their customers. Most importantly, Len was a devoted husband, father, and friend. We all will miss his tremendous presence in our lives."
 |
| Memjet Aust. Tony Duddy |
Lauer was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, and received his bachelor’s degree in science in managerial economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1979. For more than 30 years, Lauer held leadership roles with leading global technology innovators, developers and providers, including Qualcomm, Sprint, Bell Atlantic and IBM, and for the past 10 years, Lauer held the role of Memjet CEO, overseeing the company’s growth to its current status as a global leader in the development of inkjet printing technology.
During his tenure at Memjet, Lauer’s exceptional business acumen combined with his competitive spirit and strong family values drove his success in building teams, partnerships and industries. His passion, dedication and leadership will have an everlasting impact on Memjet’s business and employees, OEM partners and the print industry.
"Our family has always been inspired by Len’s passion for Memjet and the work of the Memjet team,’ said Beth Lauer, Len Lauer’s wife. "Len was proud of the strong culture at Memjet."
"Len’s clear and steady leadership at Memjet continually inspired confidence with employees, customers, suppliers, and its board of directors. He will be missed, but he has positioned the company very well for a successful future," said Don Millican, Memjet board member and Chief Financial Officer, Kaiser-Francis Oil Company, majority owner of Memjet.
 |
| Sunil Gupta - new Memjet CEO |
Effective immediately, the board of directors has named seasoned print industry executive and Memjet board member Sunil Gupta, as CEO of Memjet. Gupta is well known in Australia and New Zealand, having restructured Fuji Xerox Australia following the 'accounting scandal' that occured under the aegis of Neil Whittaker. This matter is believed to still be subject to NZ litigation between Fujifilm Holdings and three former FXNZ executives. Gupta proved to be a much-needed steadying hand in the fracas, returning to the US in September 2018.
Gupta joined Memjet’s board of directors in January of 2019. He has held leadership roles in major print industry businesses, including Fuji Xerox Australia, Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific and Xerox International Partners, and Xerox Corporation.
With the full confidence of the Memjet board of directors and its senior leadership team, Gupta will carry on Lauer’s legacy of courage, collaboration, and commitment to all stakeholders.
