Hasselblad CEO Christian Poulsen, who led the camera company through its transformation from film to digital, has left to ‘pursue other activities’, the company said in a statement today.

Poulsen, who became CEO in 2004, is replaced by Dr Larry Hansen, the current chairman who will take on both roles.

However, Poulsen will remain as Hasselblad’s Strategic Technology Adviser.

A spokesman told Amateur Photographer that the move was not part of a money-saving exercise.

Hansen, who joined Hasselblad in March from Carl Zeiss, pledged to lead the firm in a ‘quest to take photography further’.

He said: ‘Hasselblad and the entire industry face constant change which, of course, opens a range of opportunities. I will ensure that Hasselblad continues to extend our best efforts to encourage and serve our valued photographic solutions.’

Hansen added: ‘Owning a Hasselblad is the dream of all serious photographers around the world and we will continue to make every effort to make that dream as accessible to enthusiasts as well as professionals.’