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De Rigo REM announced a strategic organizational realignment that involves several new appointments as well as promotions. Jordan Gerardi has been appointed as the Central East Coast regional VP, and Mark Mixon as Central West Coast regional VP. Jim Sepanek has been promoted to VP of business development. Claudio Ninotti has been promoted to executive VP of finance and operations; Samantha Fasulo to marketing director; and Doug Pocrass has taken on an expanded role as supply chain director.

Keith Posin has been named president of Global Source Rx (GSRx). Posin has been a partner in GSRx since its founding in 2013, and most recently served as executive vice president.

Kenmark Eyewear has appointed Laura Howard as Lilly Pulitzer eyewear designer. Howard has worked at Kenmark Eyewear for five years, and has previous experience with design in the Zac Posen and Vera Wang eyewear collections.

Luxottica Wholesale appointed two new executives to its North America leadership team: Justin Andrews, a longtime Luxottica leader in Asia Pacific, has been named senior VP for Oakley sport and optical channels, and Crystal Rousseau, a veteran beauty executive, joins Luxottica as VP of the independent channel. In addition, Randee Epstein has been promoted to VP of human resources.

Prevent Blindness has named Kira Baldonado as its new VP of public health and policy. Baldonado most recently served as the director of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness.

Safilo Group, S.p.A., has appointed its new Board of Directors: Chairman of the Board Eugenio Razelli, Angelo Trocchia, Melchert F. Groot, Jeffrey A. Cole, Robert Polet, Ines Mazzilli, Cinzia Morelli-Verhoog, Catherine Gérardin-Vautrin, and Guido Guzzetti. The Board also formally appointed Trocchia as CEO; he takes over for Luisa Delgado, who retired in February.

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Bollé has signed a sponsorship agreement with Team CCB Foundation-Sicleri, outfitting the established UCI Continental squad with helmets and sunglasses.

Essilor announced its support of the Vision Catalyst Fund, a new initiative under development by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and public-private stakeholders, to provide sustainable solutions for eye health to Commonwealth countries around the world. Essilor will provide free ophthalmic lenses to 200 million people living below the poverty line in the Commonwealth by 2030.

Kering Eyewear and Balenciaga announced their partnership for the development, production, and worldwide distribution (starting in January 2019) of Balenciaga sunglasses and prescription ophthalmic frames.

Marcolin Group has signed a joint venture agreement with Moendi, one of the largest independent distributors in Mexico. The joint venture, named Marcolin Mexico, is 51% owned by Marcolin Group and its headquarters will be based in Mexican state of Naucalpan.

Maui Jim’s new Optical Incentive Program rewards an optical practice meeting certain Rx sunwear sales goals with the choice of one free sun or clear Rx for every six additional prescriptions sold. Additionally, a freight credit of up to $14 will be applied for every MauiBrilliant Sun Rx and Maui Jim Clear Rx order submitted via its ustrade.mauijim.com website. The program runs through June 30.

WestGroupe has been named the Canadian distributor for the Moleskine eyewear collection. The Moleskine brand is best known for its signature notebooks, and offers additional items including bags and writing tools.

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Prevent Blindness is accepting nominations for its fourth annual Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children’s Vision Award, recognizing efforts to improve public health approaches for children’s vision at the state or national level. The deadline is June 15.

Prep for Paris

SILMO Paris optical fair will take over the Paris Nord Villepinte from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1.

What does Eric Lenoir, director of SILMO, anticipate for the highly anticipated industry gathering?

“We provide exhibitors and visitors with an ever-expanding bank of content and services, from a resource center that delivers exceptional added value in the true SILMO tradition, focused on supplying professionals with the right information and tools,” says Lenoir.

To learn more about SILMO’s unique tools and programs, including SILMO Match, SILMO Academy, SILMO Live, and more: en.silmoparis.com .

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

Silhouette International announced the appointment of Onofrio “Mike” Giannattasio as president of its United States subsidiary. Giannattasio comes to Silhouette with 30 years’ experience in the luxury watch and accessories sectors, including with Montblanc North America (where he served as CEO), Christian Dior Watches, Breguet, and Swatch Group.

Steve Horowitz has been appointed president of Eyewear Designs, Ltd. Horowitz had been president of REM Eyewear for 22 years, and then president of De Rigo REM after the company was acquired by De Rigo Group in 2016. He left that position in January.

Howard Purcell, O.D., FAAO, has been named the 13th president and CEO of The New England College of Optometry, effective July 2. He is leaving his post at Essilor, where he is currently senior VP, customer development. Dr. Purcell succeeds Clifford Scott, O.D., MPH, who is stepping down after nine years in the post.

Robert Marc has left his position as chief creative officer of Robert Marc Eyewear to pursue new creative projects. An industry leader in luxury eyewear, Robert Marc Eyewear was acquired by Luxury Optical Holdings in September 2014.

To read more about these and other news stories, visit eyecarebusiness.com/news .