Celestron CEO Joe Lupica Steps Down After 26 Years

Lupica’s 13 years as President and CEO transformed Celestron into the world’s top telescope maker and optics industry leader.

Torrance, CA (June 18, 2013) – Celestron, the world’s number-one telescope designer and manufacturer, announced today that its CEO, Joe Lupica, is retiring after 26 years with the company, effective immediately.

Lupica first joined Celestron in 1987, and by 2000 had become its President. Over his 13-plus years as President and CEO, Lupica oversaw a complete transformation of the company, pulling it from the brink of bankruptcy and revitalizing it into a leading force within the optics industry. He leaves Celestron in its strongest financial position in the company’s history.

“I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to lead the Celestron team through many challenges over the years, and to help create a positive environment where everyone strives to meet the goals we all set for the company,” reflected Lupica. “Some of the company’s success over the past decade may be attributable to everyone buying into this concept, but looking back at my career at Celestron, I have to say I am proudest of how our team pulled together during the years we weren’t sure the company would survive.”

“Celestron is where it is today because of Joe Lupica and his unwavering vision, strong leadership, and selfless desire to always support and strengthen everyone who worked with him, myself included,” said President and COO Dave Anderson. “Through both prosperous periods and difficult decisions, he always made me feel proud to be a part of Celestron. Joe is a role model, a great businessman, and a true friend.” 

Current President and COO Dave Anderson will be promoted to CEO.

“As I enter a new phase of my life, I have complete confidence in Dave and the management team at Celestron to take the company to ‘astronomical’ levels over the next decade,” added Lupica. 

About Celestron
Celestron is a leading designer, manufacturer, and importer of high-quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes and related accessories, GPS devices, binoculars, spotting scopes, and microscopes. Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron has grown to become the world's #1 telescope maker, and enjoys brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology. Celestron’s extraordinary products continue to receive numerous industry and consumer media accolades, adding to an already impressive list that includes awards for product innovation from Reader's Digest, Popular Science, PC Magazine, Popular Mechanics, the Consumer Electronics Association, and more. Celestron is a privately-held company with corporate offices and manufacturing facilities in Torrance, California.