Allendale, NJ—Leica Camera promoted James Wagner to the position of national sales manager, Corporate Retail, and Eberhard “Ebi” Kuehne as national sales manager, S System. Wagner had served as national sales manager, S System, since 2010. In addition to his new role, Kuehne continues his work as regional sales manager, Southern Californian & Hawaiian Markets, a position he has held since 2003. The announcement was made by Roger Horn, president of Leica Camera Inc., the American division of the camera and sport optics brand headquartered in Solms, Germany.
In his new role, Wagner oversees the management and development of sales activities for Leica Stores and Boutiques as the network expands throughout the Americas, and is charged with creating a visceral experience to all visitors of these lifestyle destinations. In addition, he supports the Leica Camera marketing team to implement strategies and policies at the retail level, while also directing the technical and sales training of store associates.
Kuehne’s chief responsibilities now lie in the sales and marketing initiatives for the Leica S product line, Leica Camera’s professional camera system. In addition, he interfaces with professional photographers, providing specialized demonstrations, consultations and support for system users.
“We are pleased to announce the expanded roles being taken on by these dedicated individuals, longtime employees and revered members of the Leica family,” said Roger Horn. “James and Ebi remain an integral part of the Leica Camera experience, bringing to life the brand’s rich heritage and stirring inspiration and creativity in customers as well as fellow Leica employees. We look forward to their continued success in our collective future.”
Wagner joined Leica Camera in 1995 as a district sales manager for the New York New Jersey market. He has held a number of diverse roles, including director of Special Markets and Eastern regional sales manager. Through his tenure at Leica Camera, Wagner has worked fastidiously in order to develop and manage not only major photographic accounts in the New York area but also nationally, contributing to the overall growth of business throughout the United States.
Kuehne has been with Leica Camera for nearly half a century and is a second-generation lifetime Leica employee. At Leica headquarters in Germany, he previously served as an export manager for various markets, including Asia and the Pacific Rim as well as North America. Having started out as an apprentice training for Technical Sales in 1965, Kuehne has also worked as manager of the Leica Akademie (Germany) and spent seven years as the regional sales manager for the Leica Microscope and Photographic division in Canada. leica.com
