Digital Labels & Packaging is sad to report the passing of Memjet CEO Len Lauer, who died unexpectedly on 12 April, aged 62.

Mr Lauer was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, and received his Bachelor’s in Science degree in Managerial Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1979. For over 30 years, he held leadership roles with leading global technology innovators, developers and providers, including Qualcomm, Sprint, Bell Atlantic and IBM, and for the past 10 years, as Memjet CEO, overseeing the company’s growth to its current status as a global leader in the development of inkjet printing technology. He also became chairman in 2012.

During his tenure at Memjet, Mr Lauer’s 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.

Mr Lauer’s wife, Beth, said, ‘Our family has always been inspired by Len’s passion for Memjet and the work of the Memjet team. Len was proud of the strong culture at Memjet.’

Tony Duddy, Memjet’s group president, R&D and operations, and a board member at the inkjet specialist, said, ‘On behalf of our board of directors and employees worldwide, we extend our deepest sympathies to Len’s family during this very difficult time. 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.’

Fellow board member Don Millican added, ‘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.’

Effective immediately, Sunil Gupta has assumed the position of CEO.

Memjet has published the below video tribute to Mr Lauer. Whitmar technical editor Sean Smyth has also paid tribute to Mr Lauer here.