G&H Executive and Leadership Team

Robert Podlena, the President at G&H, directs the overarching corporate strategy and market positioning for the entire portfolio of optical engineering solutions. Overseeing the execution of business objectives across all global sectors, the President ensures alignment between manufacturing output and the specific needs of the aerospace and defense industries. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and driving the commercialization of custom optical solutions. By optimizing the company's market reach, Robert Podlena secures long-term financial stability and competitive advantage in the photonics landscape. Podlena coordinates with divisional leaders to streamline production processes and enhance the delivery of precision electro-optics. Through rigorous financial oversight and strategic planning, the President supports the company's mission to lead in light-based technology. Podlena drives the expansion of the global footprint, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of scientific research and industrial application while delivering consistent value to shareholders.

Stratos Kehayas, the President, Photonics Division at G&H, directs the research, development, and manufacturing of specialized acousto-optic and fiber optic systems. Overseeing the technical roadmap for the division, the President, Photonics Division ensures that engineering teams deliver high-precision components for scientific research and industrial applications. This leadership role involves managing the transition from prototype development to full-scale production for complex optical systems. By fostering innovation in light-based technology, Stratos Kehayas drives the division's ability to meet the stringent requirements of global defense and life sciences clients. Kehayas coordinates with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing yields and reduce time-to-market for new product lines. Through strategic investment in advanced optical engineering, the President, Photonics Division maintains the company's reputation for quality and reliability. Kehayas secures the division's market position by aligning technical capabilities with emerging industry trends, ensuring that the organization continues to provide cutting-edge solutions for the most demanding global applications.

James Milkay, the Chief Information Officer at G&H, directs the digital infrastructure supporting complex photonics manufacturing. Overseeing global data security and enterprise resource planning, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity across international production facilities. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions to optimize supply chain visibility for acousto-optic and fiber optic product lines. By integrating advanced analytics into the manufacturing workflow, James Milkay drives operational efficiency and protects proprietary research data. Milkay manages the technological roadmap to support the company's expansion into high-growth industrial markets. Through rigorous oversight of cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity of sensitive defense contracts. Milkay secures the digital foundation necessary for sustained innovation in optical engineering, ensuring that all information systems align with the broader strategic objectives of the organization while facilitating rapid data exchange between global research teams.

Melinda Chudleigh, the Chief People Officer at G&H, architects the human capital strategy required to sustain a workforce of specialized optical engineers and manufacturing experts. Overseeing talent acquisition and organizational development, the Chief People Officer ensures the company attracts top-tier scientific talent across EMEA and North American operations. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning to support the design of advanced light-based systems. By implementing robust performance management frameworks, Melinda Chudleigh drives employee engagement and aligns individual contributions with the company's long-term growth targets. Chudleigh manages internal communications and diversity initiatives to maintain a cohesive, high-performing environment. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer supports the scaling of production capabilities in the life sciences and industrial sectors. Chudleigh ensures that the organizational structure remains agile, enabling the business to adapt to the evolving demands of the global photonics market.