Sherianne James and John
Ligas.

PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—Transitions Optical has named Sherianne James, vice president, marketing and John Ligas, vice president, R&D, effectively immediately.

“Maintaining what is unique about Transitions Optical, and looking for new ways to build the Transitions brand and our technology continues to be a priority for us,” said Paddy McDermott, president, Transitions Optical. “Both John and Sherianne have made many contributions to our company over the years and their proven leadership expertise will enable us to work toward global and regional growth of the photochromic category.”

In this new position, James will help to set the marketing strategy for photochromics not only throughout the organization but globally as well. The regional marketing directors will now report to her to grow consumer demand for adaptive lenses, drive brand value for all of Transitions Optical’s customers and maintain that the company’s initiatives remain aligned.

James, who joined Transitions Optical in 2011, was first the director of global consumer and professional insights before her 2012 promotion to director of North America marketing. In 2014, she was promoted to her current role of director, global marketing where she was responsible for leading both the global strategic marketing team and the global marketing team. James earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and her master’s from the Kellogg School of Management, Chicago.

In his new role as vice president of R&D, Ligas will now manage the Transitions Optical R&D team including the evolution of light management technology. Additionally, he will continue to serve as a member of the Transitions Optical operating committee.

Ligas, who joined PPG’s chemical division as a technician in 1973 in Barberton, Ohio received his chemical engineering degree from the University of Akron in 1980. He has been working in the photochromic field since 1988. After transferring to the PPG Monroeville technical center in 1989, Ligas joined Transitions Optical in Pinellas Park as engineering manager in 1992. By 1997 he was promoted to director, Product Leadership Team and then to his current position as director, R&D, in 2008.