PEOPLE People By Staff Monday, June 11, 2018 12:00 AM Stephen Wright Stephen Wright Appointed Chief Commercial Officer of Safilo North America PADUA, Italy and SECAUCUS, N.J.—Safilo has announced the appointment of Stephen Wright as new chief commercial officer of Safilo North America, effective June 19. Henri Blomqvist, who has led the development of North America in the last two years, leaves the company to pursue other interests, the company stated. Wright has had a career of longstanding experience in the eyewear industry. He has held a number of positions with increasing responsibility within VSP Global, such as president of Altair Eyewear and senior vice president of the Americas for Marchon Eyewear. More recently, he served as the president of VSP Global Omni-Channel Solutions. “We are very happy to welcome Stephen and to count on his expertise and deep knowledge of the U.S. market, its relevant stakeholders and the different dynamics. The U.S. is an historical market for Safilo and we were intent on selecting a leader with a deep knowledge of the specific market needs, able to work hand in hand with all of our different customers,” said Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group. “We want to be closer and closer to the market, to better understand what is truly relevant for our local consumers, capitalizing more on our strong brand portfolio and on our independent business approach.” Carl Spear, OD Luxottica Names Carl Spear, OD, as Senior Vice President, Eyecare, North America MASON, Ohio—Luxottica has named Carl Spear, OD, as senior vice president, eyecare, North America. In his role, “Spear will be responsible for doctor recruiting, retention and development, doctor practice growth and fostering Luxottica’s strong reputation across the OD community,” the company announced internally. “This is a key role for the company given Luxottica’s heavy focus on quality vision care and the success and development of its doctors who play a critical role in its retail practices across N.A.,” a Luxottica spokesperson said. Spear has more than 20 years of expertise in the eyecare industry with a broad and diverse background. Prior to this role, he served as the senior director of professional services at Vision Group Holdings, where he contracted and managed a network of optometrists and ophthalmologists. He has also served as director of professional development and strategic accounts at Alcon, where he managed the Vision Care Speaker Alliance. During this time, he developed and implemented Alcon’s doctor facing initiatives and provided strategic support for multiple doctor alliances and strategic partners, including Luxottica. Dr. Spear has also held the position of director of continuing education and vendor relations for Vision Source and has written, lectured and consulted with industry leaders on a variety of disease topics. He has served as an active member on the Florida Board of Optometry. He is currently on the board of directors for the American Academy of Optometry. Josh Robinson Pearle Vision Names Josh Robinson as Vice President of Licensing & Development MASON, Ohio—Pearle Vision has appointed Josh Robinson as vice president, licensing & development. He will be responsible for “defining and developing business strategies to grow the Pearle Vision franchise system,” according to an announcement. Robinson, a six-year member of the Pearle Vision leadership team, takes the helm on guiding franchise development communications, while also managing vendor partnerships to support franchise growth. Earlier in his career, he was instrumental in the expansion of Dunkin’ Brands, and he brings “a wealth of relevant brand and franchise industry experience to the position,” according to the announcement. “Josh is a great fit for this role,” Pearle Vision general manager Alex Wilkes said. “He brings a perspective that blends exceptional knowledge of our brand as well as a remarkable franchising acumen.” Robinson succeeds Greg Hare, who left Pearle Vision earlier this year. Rebecca Giefer Modo Appoints COO, Rebecca Giefer, to Partner NEW YORK—Modo has announced that on April 19, 2018, Rebecca Giefer, COO was made a partner in the company. Giefer’s career at Modo began 14 years ago as a temporary customer service liaison, shortly after her university graduation. Giefer has risen through the company, serving in various customer service, sales and operations roles. In 2011, she was promoted to vice president of operations where she led her high performing team in adopting new technologies and improving the company’s overall operational efficiencies. In 2014, she was promoted to COO. “Rebecca is one of the greatest success stories at Modo that makes me so proud of our company. I still remember the interview 14 years ago like it was yesterday; after just a few minutes I asked her when she could start,” said Alessandro Lanaro, CEO, Modo.