Our Team

Over 50 years of experience.

Our reputation as a global leader in precision optics is built on consistent excellence and innovation. Our scientists, engineers and master opticians draw on decades of experience and a love of what they do.

KiwiStar Optics Team

Stuart Weyland-Smith

General Manager
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Stuart Weyland-Smith

Stuart Weyland-Smith has over 35 years international experience in the management of technical programs across a number of sectors including Defence, Aerospace, Underwater Acoustics and Marine Geotechnics. Commencing his career as a submarine marine engineer officer, he has spent much of the last 20 years helping and leading SMEs to commercialize technologies and develop viable, thriving businesses.

Stuart has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with post graduate qualifications in Applied Computing and Management.

Dr Andrew Rakich

Chief Technology Officer
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Andrew Rakich

Andrew Rakich is an optical specialist with international expertise in optical design, metrology, tolerancing, aberration theory, alignment, telescopes from KiwiStar Optics (then under Industrial Research Ltd the precursor to Callaghan Innovation) to working on large scale telescope projects with EOS Space Systems in Australia and EOS Technologies in Tucson, USA.  Andrew’s international project experience includes Thai National Telescope project, Large Binocular Telescope, E-ELT for ESO and Giant Magellan Telescope.  As Chief Technology Officer, Andrew will lead the development of our optical manufacturing, coating and metrology processes, Andrew will bring all his years of industry experience to bear and work closely with our clients to develop the optimal solutions.

Malcolm Young

Business Development Manager
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Malcolm Young

Bachelor of Commerce and Administration
Malcolm Young has a strong international commercial management background. He is responsible for sales and marketing, operational management, strategic planning, contract negotiation and customer management.