Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: LASE) announced the appointment of its founder, Dmitri Nikitin, as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and principal executive officer, according to a company press release dated October 16, 2026.

Nikitin assumes the role following the resignation of Wayne Tupuola, who stepped down as Chief Executive Officer for medical reasons effective October 13, 2026. The company stated it does not currently intend to appoint a separate CEO. Ann Tewari's service as interim President also concluded on October 13, 2026, and she returned to her previous position as Global Vice President, Operations and Strategy.

Nikitin holds an engineering degree in industrial electronics and quantum mechanics from Moscow Power Engineering University and a PhD from the Ministry of Electronics of the USSR. The company states he has more than 35 years of experience in laser technology.

His prior work includes co-developing what the company describes as the world's first high-power fiber laser cutting system for IPG Photonics and developing a mobile fiber-laser platform for military mine-clearing applications. He is also a named inventor on three patent applications filed in 2026 relating to Bulk-to-Shape technology.

The company said Nikitin's initial priorities will include advancing its Laser Shield Anti-Drone platform, strengthening engineering capabilities, and integrating previous acquisitions and product lines.

Nikitin said the company sees an opportunity to address drone threats with directed energy laser systems and to support domestic military manufacturing capacity with its industrial laser platforms.

Qing Lu, Chair of the company's Audit Committee, said Nikitin's experience developing and scaling applications for large international markets is what the organization needs going forward.