Connect with us

Headlines

Safilo Names President for North American Market

He joined Safilo in June 2020 as global general manager of Smith Optics.

mm

Published

on

Safilo Group has appointed Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni to the role of president and chief commercial officer for the North American market, effective June 1.

The appointment follows the retirement of Steve Wright.

Ceroni joined Safilo in June 2020 as global general manager of Smith Optics, today Safilo’s biggest brand. He will retain responsibility for Smith as president of Smith Optics. Meanwhile, Mark Phares, currently director of global wholesale channel for Smith, has been promoted to general manager for Smith Optics.

Ceroni has extensive wholesale and retail experience in the eyewear industry, having also served as vice president, international strategy and business development, at Costa Del Mar during a period of expansion.

“North America has a central role in Safilo’s strategy and business growth,” said Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group. “I thank Steve for his countless contributions to the Group and extend my best wishes for his retirement. Francesco has driven the implementation of key transformational projects for the Smith division over the past two years, fully embracing the digital acceleration and innovative responsibility that sets Safilo Group apart in the marketplace. I’m very excited about where Safilo is today and the next chapter for North America, and I wish all the best to Francesco in his new role.”

Wright said: “I leave Safilo and the incredible team we have in place, with a mix of emotions. When I accepted the challenge from Angelo to lead the rebuilding of Safilo in North America, I knew we had to move quickly. I’m proud of the results we have achieved in just a few years. It is the exclamation point on a long career within the eyewear industry and it was a privilege to be part of this organization. I look forward to Francesco taking the reins and achieving even greater things for Safilo in the market as he and the team write its next successful chapter.”

Advertisement

Ceroni said: “I am honored to take the leadership of Safilo North America and to follow the great work that Steve and the team have done here serving our customers. This market is critical to the Group’s overall success and given the strength of the team that’s been built and the plans they already have underway, we look to the future with optimism.”

SPONSORED VIDEO

SPONSORED BY VARILUX

The Best Overall Progressive Lens, Now Powered by AI

Engineered with Behavioral Artificial Intelligence and utilizing new XR-motion™ technology, Varilux XR series goes beyond prescription and eye physiology to consider the patient’s visual behavior and design a progressive lens that respects how
their eyes naturally move.

Varilux XR series comes in two versions, Varilux® XR design and Varilux® XR track. The Varilux XR track lens provides an additional level of personalization by incorporating the exclusive Near Vision Behavior Measurement, providing up to 25% more near vision width3 according to the patient’s need, so patients get the highest level of customization.

Discover Varilux XR series and enjoy instantly sharp vision in motion4 and seamless transitions from near to far.

For more information, visit here.

Promoted Headlines

Most Popular