(PRESS RELEASE) RANCHO CORDOVA, CA — VSP Vision announced that Kathleen Steele has been named president of VSP Ventures. In the role, Steele will lead the company’s business unit that provides care-focused choices for Doctors of Optometry looking for practice transition options. She will report to Kate Renwick-Espinosa, president of VSP Vision Care.
“Kathleen’s skillset and experience in business development and scaling optometric services make her the right leader to accelerate the growth of VSP Ventures and ensure our unique transition options are available to doctors that protect practice legacy and put care first,” said Renwick-Espinosa. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
With more than a decade of executive leadership in the optical industry, Steele joins VSP Ventures from Pearle Vision, where she most recently served as senior vice president and general manager. Prior to that, she held several senior leadership roles at Luxottica, including vice president of operations, senior director of vision care strategy, as well as senior director of innovation and commercialization.
“It’s an honor to join this incredible team,” said Steele. “VSP Ventures remains uniquely positioned in this changing market to offer doctors solutions that meet their goals for their practices, careers, and lives, underscored by a focus on continued excellent patient care.”
Steele succeeds Tiffanie Burkhalter, who has decided to depart the organization after nearly 12 years serving in a variety of roles.
“We thank Tiffanie for the many contributions made to the organization and wish her all the best in her next chapter,” added Renwick-Espinosa.