FYI
FYI...
News Bits From the Industry
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Safilo Group and Jimmy Choo have announced the early renewal of their agreement for the design, manufacture, and distribution of the Jimmy Choo Eyewear collection. The agreement has now been extended to Dec. 31, 2023. The new agreement also includes the launch of a Jimmy Choo men’s collection, with the first capsule edition to be presented in the brand’s boutiques and in a global selection of optical stores starting in January 2018.
EGMA LLC, a full-service digital lens manufacturer in spectacle lens technology, has announced an agreement to manufacture ophthalmic lenses under license from Shaw Vision Inc., a supplier of iseikonic and isophoric prescription eyeglass lens technology.
Marcolin Group and Dsquared2 have announced the early renewal of an exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture, and worldwide distribution of Dsquared2 sun and optical eyewear. The agreement extends the current partnership duration until 2021.
Lagardère Active Group, owner of the ELLE brand, and Charmant Group have celebrated their 20th anniversary of co-operation of the ELLE eyewear brand. The companies have also announced the early renewal of their global licensing partnership.
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Vuzix Corp. announced that Edward W Kay Jr. has joined its board of directors, which includes becoming chairman of the Audit Committee. Kay is a certified public accountant who spent his 33-year career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP working with companies in a variety of industries.
Kevin Lindl has been named western regional sales director at WestGroupe USA. Lindl brings more than 15 years of experience in sales to the position.
Kevin Lindl, WestGroupe
Kering Eyewear has appointed Glenn Rusk as its new senior vice president of sales, North America. Prior to joining Kering, Rusk was senior vice president-commercial head of North America for Safilo.
Glenn Rusk, Kering Eyewear
Nick Palmiotto has joined Mad Vision as vice president of sales and marketing, as well as a partner. Palmiotto will head the sales department with responsibility for the sales networks (Optical and Sport divisions).
Marcolin USA Eyewear Corp. announced the recruitment of Chris Robinson as senior vice president, Optical Channel, and Tom Carberry as senior vice president, Commercial Operations. Robinson and Carberry have backgrounds in the eyewear industry, and will report to Marcolin USA Eyewear Corp. CEO Fabrizio Gamberini.
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The Mobile Vision Care Program has launched with the mission to affect academic achievement by providing free vision screenings and eye health care to underserved students. The new program and research study is a partnership between Verizon, OneSight, Smart Vision Labs, and the State University of New York College of Optometry.
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Walmart has presented Bausch + Lomb with its 2015 U.S. Supplier of the Year Award in the Consumables and Health & Wellness category.
Angel Alvarez, founder and CEO of ABB OPTICAL GROUP, has been named a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 Award in Florida.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Nicola Zotta, Marchon Eyewear
Read more about this and other news stories at EB News on our website: eyecarebusiness.com/eb-news.
De Rigo Vision Acquires REM Eyewear
De Rigo Vision, part of the De Rigo Group S.p.A, has signed an agreement to purchase complete ownership of REM Eyewear of Los Angeles. The operation is part of De Rigo’s strategic plan for further international expansion, and aims to reinforce the Group’s distribution platform on the American market.
A single American organization will be formed under the name De Rigo REM. According to the Group, this U.S. organization will grow the portfolio of De Rigo brands sold through the distribution channel of American opticians. The takeover will also add significant American brands—such as Converse, John Varvatos, Lucky Brand, Jones New York, and Jonathan Adler—to the Group’s portfolio.
“I’m proud to announce this agreement with REM, with whom we share the attitude of a family-run business: one of the keys to our companies’ success,” says De Rigo Group founder and chairman Ennio De Rigo. “The union of the enterprising spirit of Mike Hundert and Donna Gindy’s company with our group will strengthen De Rigo Vision’s global distribution system.”
De Rigo REM will be overseen by existing REM executives, including Mike Hundert as CEO, Donna Gindy as COO, Steve Horowitz as president, and Keith Kamalich as vice president. Nicolas Roseillier will continue as creative director of De Rigo REM.
SILMO ACADEMY FOCUSES ON READING & RESEARCH
As part of the annual Silmo Optical Fair (held this year September 23-26 in Paris) the Silmo Academy will expand its 7th Edition by adding an extra day to the annual scientific event. The Academy is scheduled for Sept. 24, 25, and 26.
The 2016 symposium focuses on the theme of “reading” with three daily sessions held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., including “Reading and Reading Processes,” “Reading Processes in Children and Adults,” and “Reading: A Challenge for Public Health.”
For the first time, the Silmo Academy will be adding its financial support to vision research. Any individual researcher or research team in the field of optics and vision science can submit an application by Sept. 6. The Silmo Academy Scientific Committee will choose the three best projects to be presented orally by applicants. The winning project will be awarded a €10,000 grant.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT EN.SILMOPARIS.COM.
Prepare for Vision Expo West
Pre-registration is now open for the annual International Vision Expo & Conference West in Las Vegas, held this year from Sept. 14-17. Vision Expo West provides more than five football fields of exhibit space of fashion, accessories, and medical equipment. Prepare for the event and receive notification when registration is live by pre-registering today at VISIONEXPOWEST.COM, under the “Register” tab. And to kick off your time in Las Vegas, check out tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 9th annual Prevent Blindness Swing Fore Sight Golf Outing, which will be held in the heart of Las Vegas at the Spanish Trail Country Club on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT PREVENTBLINDNESS.DONORDRIVE.COM (UPCOMING EVENTS SECTION).
Eyewear abundant at the edCFDA event at this year’s Vision Expo East show. Are you ready for Expo West? Photo: Sean Zanni/PMC
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