# Mark Levitin

> Mark Levitin is the co-founder and CEO of Ecentria, the Northbrook, Illinois group behind OpticsPlanet and other specialist gear businesses. An engineer who immigrated from the Soviet Union in 1989, he developed an optics importing and distribution business before co-founding OpticsPlanet with Pavel Shvartsman. His public account emphasizes direct customer relationships, product expertise, disciplined financing and profitable growth.

- **Role:** Co-founder and CEO at Ecentria
- **Organizations:** Ecentria, OpticsPlanet, LOMO America Inc.
- **Education:** Engineering education completed in the Soviet Union; credential unspecified
- **Known for:** Co-founded OpticsPlanet with Pavel Shvartsman., Built an optics wholesale business to $10 million in revenue, according to his 2012 account., Led OpticsPlanet to a reported $100 million revenue milestone by the interview published in February 2012.

## Career timeline

- **1989** — Immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union; lived in Boston before moving to Chicago.
- **1991** — First container of Russian-made microscopes arrived for his importing business.
- **1995** — Arranged an exclusive North American distribution agreement for LOMO with partners.
- **1999** — Decided with Pavel Shvartsman to build a separate direct-to-consumer business.
- **2000** — OpticsPlanet founded and website launched.
- **2008** — OpticsPlanet ranked No. 744 on the Inc. 5000.
- **2010** — Dvor launched in November, according to his later account.
- **2012** — Reported $100 million revenue, 300 employees and 30% annual growth in an interview published in February.
- **2014** — Signed an Ecentria Group Form D as CEO on October 2.
- **2020** — Ecentria acquired the Armasight brand and intellectual property in June.
- **2022** — Armasight relaunch announced ahead of SHOT Show.
- **2026** — Ecentria sold Armasight to American Holoptics; announcement published in April.

## Achievements

- Co-founded OpticsPlanet with Pavel Shvartsman.
- Built an optics wholesale business to $10 million in revenue, according to his 2012 account.
- Led OpticsPlanet to a reported $100 million revenue milestone by the interview published in February 2012.
- Led Ecentria through rebuilding and divesting Armasight.

## Latest updates

- **2026-04** — Commented as Ecentria CEO on its sale of Armasight to American Holoptics.

## Links

- Website: https://ecentria.com/leadership/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-levitin-aa421858

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/mark-levitin
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21