Mathew Jenkins, who most recently served as president of Lucidity Australia, has been named as the new CEO of Optronics International, a leading manufacturer of vehicle harnesses, electronic control systems, and LED lighting for the global transportation industry

Longtime CEO to Retire

Jenkins will assume the CEO duties on Jan. 1, following the retirement of the current CEO, Brett Johnson, who has guided Optronics as president and CEO through a transformative period of growth and innovation since 2009. 

Under Johnson’s leadership, the company tripled its revenue while successfully expanding into multiple new market segments. Today, the company has achieved leading positions in the work truck, vocational, bus, and farm and home retail segments, while building a substantial presence in heavy-duty aftermarket and trailer manufacturing.

“Brett has been instrumental in positioning Optronics as an innovation leader in commercial vehicle lighting and establishing our brand as a trusted partner throughout the industry,” said Wayne Huang, chairman of Lucidity Enterprise Co., Ltd., Optronics’ parent company. “His customer-centered approach and commitment to delivering value have driven exceptional growth and market expansion. We thank him for his outstanding leadership and wish him well in his retirement.”

During Johnson’s tenure, Optronics introduced breakthrough technologies, including the company’s patented custom logo lighting solutions, award-winning Fusion Series combination lamps and innovative GloLight technology. Johnson also oversaw Optronics’ acquisition of USA Harness, Inc. in 2019, making Optronics one of only a few manufacturers capable of fully serving the light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial vehicle industry with both lighting and harness technologies.

New CEO Brings Decades of Industry Experience

“Establishing Optronics as a recognized brand in new markets has been incredibly rewarding,” Johnson said. “And Mat’s background perfectly positions the company for its next phase of growth, and I’m confident that his unique expertise and vision will take Optronics to even greater heights.”

Jenkins brings 26 years of industry experience in lighting, electronics, and wire harness manufacturing to his new role. After founding his own wire harness manufacturing business in 1999, Jenkins grew the company through Lucidity’s acquisition and subsequently increased the business fourfold during his tenure as president of Lucidity Australia.

“I’m honored to lead Optronics during this pivotal time in the commercial vehicle industry,” Jenkins said. “Our strategy will build on the strong foundation Brett has established while expanding our capabilities in power delivery systems and solutions-based offerings. We plan to invest significantly in our U.S. engineering, technical and manufacturing capabilities to better serve our customers and drive innovation.”

Jenkins noted that Optronics’ global manufacturing footprint, which includes facilities in the United States, Taiwan and Australia, provides strategic advantages in sourcing and production flexibility. The company plans to enhance its U.S. manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including investments in harness manufacturing automation to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

“Mat’s expertise in commercial vehicle power products represents an important growth opportunity for Optronics,” Johnson added. “His solutions-based approach to customer needs, combined with his deep technical knowledge, aligns perfectly with our vision for the future.”

Over the coming weeks, Johnson and Jenkins will work together with the Optronics leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. Jenkins will maintain Optronics’ headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and continue operating the company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities in Muskogee, Oklahoma; Goshen, Indiana; and Winnsboro, Texas.