(L to R) Phil Cohen, ESE’s VP of sales and marketing, with new VPs Bert Rosado and Michael Biondi.
ELMONT, N.Y.—Eastern States Eyewear (ESE) has announced the retirement of longtime vice president of sales and marketing Phil Cohen and has promoted Bert Rosado and Michael Biondi as vice presidents of sales for the Eastern region and Western region, respectively.

Cohen served as VP of sales and marketing for 10 years; before that, he served as the company’s national sales manager and northeast regional manager after first beginning with the company 33 years ago as its New Jersey sales representative.

“Phil Cohen retires as one of the most decorated and valued people in the history of Eastern States Eyewear,” commented president Paul Shyer. “He was an outstanding motivator, mentor and leader. There are few people you’ll ever come across with more character and integrity.”

Rosado, as VP of the Eastern region, will be responsible for the company’s sales team primarily on the East Coast. He first started with the company in 2010, distinguishing himself both by receiving the “Felix Award” as the company’s Salesperson of the Year and additionally by reaching the Million Dollar Club. Prior to his new position, he was serving as one of the company’s regional managers in the Northeast.

Biondi, as VP of the Western region, will oversee both the Midwest and West Coast regions. He started with ESE in 1998 as the company’s sales representative for Missouri, Iowa and additional areas within the Midwest. Biondi has also been a recipient of the “Felix Award” as the company’s Salesperson of the Year and first assumed his pre-existing role as Midwest regional manager in 2010.

“As a company we have seen wonderful growth in the last five years—an achievement both Michael and Bert were instrumental in,” explained Shyer. “Equally important, both men have consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting our company culture of positivity and a close knit family atmosphere. Ultimately, it is these values that were as important to us as their abilities, and a legacy that we know Phil is genuinely proud to be leaving with us.”