Hawthorn Photonics appoints Walter Bevers as Vice President of Sales
About Optica
20 July 2026
Hawthorn Photonics appoints Walter Bevers as Vice President of Sales
[Bozeman, USA, 17th July 2026 ] Hawthorn Photonics has appointed Walter Bevers as Vice President of Sales, reinforcing its leadership team as the group continues to align its international operations and strengthen its position across global photonics markets.
In his new role, Walter will lead the group's worldwide sales organization, overseeing commercial activity across Hawthorn Photonics' three specialist companies: Covesion in the UK, AdvR in the United States and Radiantis in Spain. His priority will be to develop a cohesive global sales strategy, bringing together the strengths of each business while ensuring customers continue to benefit from the technical expertise and close support for which the companies are recognized.
Walter will direct sales activities across Hawthorn Photonics' established markets, including defense, aerospace and scientific instrumentation, while helping to expand the group's presence in fast-growing areas such as quantum technologies. Working closely with engineering, scientific and marketing teams, he will ensure the group's advanced photonics solutions continue to address complex customer challenges, while introducing common commercial processes, reporting structures and systems to support future growth.
As part of the executive leadership team, Walter will also lead the integration of commercial operations across the Hawthorn Photonics group. His responsibilities include developing high-performing international sales teams, strengthening collaboration between the subsidiaries and building long-term relationships with customers, distributors and strategic partners around the world.
Walter joins Hawthorn Photonics with more than 30 years of international leadership experience in the photonics and laser industry. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of International Sales at MKS Instruments, where he was responsible for global distribution for the Newport and Spectra-Physics brands and led direct sales teams across Europe. Earlier in his career, he held senior sales leadership positions at Newport Corporation and Spectra-Physics, following engineering and operational roles with Philips Lighting and Etap Lighting. He holds a Master's degree in Physics from the University of Antwerp and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Katholieke Hogeschool Leuven.
Commenting on Walter’s appointment, Mike Day, President of Hawthorn Photonics, said:
"Walter has spent his career working with advanced photonics technologies and understands the needs of customers operating in highly specialized markets. He has a proven track record of leading international sales organizations, developing strong commercial teams and delivering sustainable growth. As we continue to bring our businesses together under one group, his experience and leadership will be invaluable in helping us build a more integrated global organization while maintaining the technical excellence our customers expect.
About Hawthorn Photonics
Hawthorn Photonics is a global group dedicated to advancing the science and application of light through precision photonics innovation. Bringing together three industry-leading companies, AdvR (USA), Covesion (UK), and Radiantis (Spain), the group delivers world-class solutions in non-linear optics, wavelength conversion, and tunable laser technologies.
From its expertise in frequency conversion and phase modulation to its leadership in optical parametric oscillators and periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) devices, Hawthorn Photonics serves a broad range of applications spanning quantum technologies, scientific research, industrial instrumentation, and defense. By combining the technical strengths and specialisms of its member companies, Hawthorn Photonics provides customers with integrated, high-performance photonic systems designed to meet the most demanding requirements in precision and performance.
With a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and collaboration, the group continues to drive forward the boundaries of photonics, enabling the technologies that shape the future of light.
Images available:
• Walter Bevers image
• Hawthorn Photonics Logo
Media Contact
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Email: katherine@accelerate-associates.co.uk
