Cooke Optics has announced the departure of non-executive chairman and board advisor Kees Van Oostrum after five years.
The Emmy-nominated cinematographer is stepping down to focus on filmmaking, teaching, and other business ventures.
Van Oostrum departs after playing a “pivotal role” in several key initiatives at Cooke, the organisation said, including the development of the Varotal zoom lenses and the company’s expansion into the mirrorless market with the SP3 range.
On his departure, the Dutch filmmaker revealed: “Stepping into a leadership role at Cooke Optics in 2019 brought both tremendous privilege and invigorating trials.
“Throughout cinema history, filmmakers have turned to Cooke lenses to realise their artistic vision. As I depart, I have every confidence the company and its remarkable team will continue crafting the tools that shape how we see stories on screen.”
Cooke’s CEO, David Hancock, added: “I wish to thank Kees personally for all of his help onboarding me when I became Cooke’s new CEO in January.
“Multiple times, Kees spent significant effort educating me on the marketplace and Cooke’s history, also introducing me to key members of the industry, and being a thinking partner for me as a new CEO.”
