David Bell, Leica’s UK managing director, has stepped down. In his eight years he has transformed the German manufacturer’s presence in Britain and has overseen the introduction of significant new models, including the M and Monochrom. David is an excellent networker and has a keen eye for the role of Leica in spanning both the enthusiast market and the emerging opportunities of the luxury goods sector. He always gave an impressive welcome to visiting enthusiasts, including to my knowledge, the annual gatherings at Mayfair of the Leica Fellowship and the Leica Society. We all wish him well for the future.
Jason Heward, previously the company’s commercial director, has taken over as general manager and I look forward to meeting and working with him in the future.