Ken Clay.
BETHPAGE, N.Y.—Eyewear Designs Ltd. (EDL) has appointed Ken Clay as vice president – business development of the eyewear company. In his new role, effective Aug. 1, Clay will oversee the activity of the Eyewear Designs’ key accounts reporting directly to the company’s president Steve Horowitz. Clay will be instrumental in driving the company’s continuing growth with key accounts both in the U.S. and internationally, the company stated. Horowitz said, “Ken’s extensive experience in the industry makes him the right person at the right time to build and expand our relations with our key accounts. His experience coupled with that of our current team will bring new ideas and a fresh perspective, while his personal style will build on the unique culture of teamwork and success that’s always been at the heart of the company.”

Most recently, Clay was a past vice president of strategic account business development and was instrumental in the development of a team of consultants known as global business development managers. The GBDM was designed to support VSP panel member doctors and explore areas for revenue growth and business efficiencies on behalf of those doctors.

Prior to that, Clay spent 21 years with Marchon Eyewear, where he served as the regional vice president for the Central U.S., district manager for the Central U.S. and as an independent sales consultant. He also served as the lead contact person representing VSP Global and Marchon Eyewear for the major doctor alliance groups, buying groups, and practice management groups throughout the U.S. Clay also has a background as a business owner in a variety of wholesale and retail environments.

Eyewear Designs is a privately held company wholly owned by co-CEOs Andrea Gluck and Dean Warner. EDL develops and distributes a brand portfolio that includes the licensed brands Perry Ellis, New Balance, Elizabeth Arden, Jill Stuart, Tony Hawk, Hello Kitty and Moleskine.