Optronics International Announces Leadership Change with Emphasis on Innovation and Market Growth

Optronics International Leadership Transition

Tulsa, Oklahoma — Optronics International, a key player in the vehicle harness, electronics control systems, and LED lighting manufacturing sector, has announced a significant leadership change. Brett Johnson, the current president and CEO, will retire on December 31, 2025. In his place, Mathew Jenkins, the former president of Lucidity Australia, will take over the leadership starting January 1, 2026.

Brett Johnson has been at the helm of Optronics since 2009, nurturing the company through a period marked by remarkable growth and innovation. Over these years, Optronics has successfully tripled its revenue and made significant inroads into various market segments, including work trucks, vocational vehicles, and even retail farming and home improvements. The company has also seen a significant presence in the aftermarket for heavy-duty vehicles and trailer manufacturing, establishing itself as a formidable name in the industry.

Accomplishments Under Johnson

Johnson's leadership has been pivotal for Optronics. He has been recognized for positioning the company as an innovation leader in commercial vehicle lighting, transforming it into a trustworthy brand across the transportation industry. The company's customer-centric strategies have fueled its growth, establishing Optronics as a respected name in lighting solutions.

Noteworthy innovations during his tenure include the launch of patented custom logo lighting, the acclaimed Fusion Series combination lamps, and the groundbreaking GloLight technology. Johnson also guided the critical acquisition of USA Harness, Inc. in 2019, a strategic move that solidified Optronics’ standing as one of the few manufacturers capable of servicing varying vehicle needs with both lighting and harness technologies.

Reflecting on his time at Optronics, Johnson stated, “Positioning Optronics within new markets has been incredibly rewarding. I am confident that Mat's expertise will elevate the company's future.”

Jenkins: The New Visionary

Mathew Jenkins brings an impressive background to the role, characterized by 26 years of experience in the industries of lighting, electronics, and wire harness manufacturing. Beginning in 1999, Jenkins founded his wire harness manufacturing business, which grew significantly under his leadership and later became part of Lucidity. His strategic insights will be essential in steering Optronics through its anticipated growth phase.

“I am honored to lead Optronics at such a pivotal moment in the commercial vehicle industry,” Jenkins shared. His strategy will build upon Johnson's legacy while also broadening the company's capabilities, particularly in power delivery systems and solutions.

Jenkins has plans for considerable investment in U.S. manufacturing and engineering. He aims to enhance Optronics' manufacturing automation processes, boosting efficiency and competitiveness in the marketplace. “My focus will be on customer needs through a solutions-based approach,” he added.

Future Directions

Under Jenkins’ guidance, Optronics aims to ramp up its manufacturing and engineering capabilities in the United States, including extensive automation efforts in harness production to improve operational efficiency. With manufacturing facilities spread across the U.S., Taiwan, and Australia, Optronics is poised to leverage these global advantages for enhanced sourcing and production flexibility.

As the company prepares for this transition, Johnson and Jenkins will work closely with the leadership team to ensure a seamless changeover. Jenkins will maintain Optronics' headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma while continuing operations from the manufacturing and distribution sites in Muskogee, Oklahoma; Goshen, Indiana; and Winnsboro, Texas.

Optronics products are marketed across the U.S. and Canada through a vast distribution network comprising over 30,000 points of sale. Their extensive product offerings, acclaimed for their quality and innovation, are widely recognized in both the commercial vehicle and industrial lighting sectors. To learn more about Optronics and their products, visit their official webpage at Optronics International.

With this new leadership chapter, Optronics International is set to continue its impressive trajectory in the commercial vehicle lighting and harness manufacturing landscape, ensuring that they remain a trusted partner in the industry.