Olympus CEO Stefan Kaufmann resigns amid illegal drug purchase allegations

28 Oct 2024 - Olympus Corporation (“Olympus”) announces that Mr. Stefan Kaufmann, Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO of Olympus has resigned from his positions as Director, Representative Executive Officer, President, and CEO, Executive Officer and Member of the Nominating Committee on October 28 as below.

1. Name and title of the resigned representative executive officer
Stefan Kaufmann, Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO

2. Reason for the change
Upon receiving an allegation that Mr. Stefan Kaufmann had purchased illegal drugs, Olympus, in consultation with outside legal counsel, immediately investigated the facts, made a report to the investigative authorities, and cooperated fully with their investigation. Based on the results of the investigation, the Board of Directors unanimously determined that Mr. Stefan Kaufmann likely engaged in behaviors that were inconsistent with our Global Code of Conduct, Our Core Values, and our corporate culture. As a result, Mr. Stefan Kaufmann was asked to offer his resignation, which he did and which was subsequently accepted by the Board of Directors.

Mr. Yasuo Takeuchi, Director, Representative Executive Officer, Executive Chairperson and ESG Officer of Olympus, will carry out the duties of CEO for the time being. In addition, the Nominating Committee of the Board is meeting to consider all options for the successor to the CEO.

3. Date of change
October 28, 2024

Olympus apologizes deeply for the concern this has caused to its shareholders, customers and all stakeholders.