Charlie Foell (l) and Bob McKinzie
DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) announced that Charlie Foell, senior vice president of manufacturing and distribution, plans to retire from his position, effective June 30, 2018. Bob McKinzie, currently vice president of manufacturing for the retail company, will be promoted to succeed Foell as SVP of manufacturing and supply chain. Foell will remain at National Vision to focus on strategic initiatives and special projects, the company said. “There is no doubt that Charlie’s impact on National Vision—in fact, the entire optical industry—will be felt for years to come,” said Reade Fahs, CEO of National Vision Holdings, Inc. “Under his leadership, we have built a network of ultra low-cost optical labs that is a model for many in the industry. That is a pretty incredible accomplishment, and we will miss him greatly.”

“As we continue serving more patients and customers, I am thrilled that, following this planned succession, Bob will lead National Vision’s manufacturing and supply chain efforts,” Fahs said. “Bob’s experience and knowledge of the intricacies of optical manufacturing and distribution processes are the perfect mix to lead us into this next phase of growth.”

Foell has led National Vision’s manufacturing and distribution efforts for nearly 20 years. During his tenure, Foell led the company through facilities expansions, technology upgrades and supply chain improvements that enabled National Vision to build a global network of labs that focuses on efficiency, accuracy and innovation in product manufacturing.

McKinzie joined National Vision in 2006, and has more than 30 years of experience in the optical manufacturing industry, having worked at LensCrafters, Price Club and Cole Vision/Luxottica.