Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Europa Eyewear, the Optical Women’s Association (OWA), Kering Eyewear, Match Eyewear, Eyewear Designs Ltd., Villa Eyewear, and J.F. Rey.

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Europa Eyewear has announced several leadership changes: 

• Laura West has been appointed chief financial officer. Previously serving as CFO at Eyebobs, West brings nearly 20 years of financial leadership experience. She will oversee all finance and accounting functions across the company.

• Vice president of product development Melanie Burns will now manage Europa’s full product portfolio, including Eyebobs, American Optical, and State. She will focus on product strategy, innovation, and speeding time to market for new collections.

• Jordan Loyd has been named head of operations. In this role, she will oversee technology, manufacturing, operations, and customer experience.

• Christen Dehate has been appointed senior director of supply chain. She will manage sourcing, purchasing, and planning across the company’s platform.

The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced a new president and updates to its executive committee:

• Megan Molony, chief merchandising and managed care officer at Europa Eyewear and former OWA vice president, has been named president of the OWA.

• Janna Neal of Zyloware has been appointed vice president of the OWA.

• Erika Plank of VSP Vision has assumed the position of secretary/treasurer. 

  • Additionally, new board members include:

    • Reagan Colpitts, senior manager of key accounts at Pair Eyewear

    • Cha-Ling Delgado, vice president, Stars North America for EssilorLuxottica

    • Nancy Gries, brand owner of Coti Vision 

    • Joyce Pokoy-Kurtulus, principal at Visionary Insights

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Kering Eyewear and Valentino have signed an exclusive global licensing agreement granting Kering Eyewear the rights to develop and distribute Valentino-branded sun and optical collections. The first collection is set to debut at the Valentino show in Paris on Oct. 5, before reaching retail in March 2026.

Match Eyewear has signed an agreement to acquire Eyewear Designs Ltd. before the end of the year, expanding Match Eyewear’s global footprint, brand portfolio, and design capabilities. Match Eyewear cofounder and president Ethan Goodman will continue to lead the combined company. Andrea Gluck, CEO and owner of Eyewear Designs, will remain with the organization for five years, focusing on product development, licensing, and customer experience.

Villa Eyewear has entered into a partnership with French eyewear brand J.F. Rey to serve as its exclusive distributor in the U.S., expanding J.F. Rey’s presence in the U.S. market and providing independent optical retailers with direct access to the brand’s collections.