NORTHVALE, N.J.—Essilor has appointed Maureen Cavanaugh president of the Nassau Lens Group, a stock lens supplier and optical laboratory operator based here.
Cavanaugh joined Essilor in October 2005 with the acquisition of the Definity progressive lens product line from Johnson & Johnson. In October 2007, she assumed the role of vice president, integrated retail. Prior to Essilor, Cavanaugh held various sales and operations positions at The Spectacle Lens Group (J&J), Marine Optical Group, Cohen’s Fashion Optical and Vistakon.
Cavanaugh succeeds Francois Bes de Berc, who has been named general manager, Asia Pacific for Transitions Optical, effective Feb. 1. Transitions Optical is co-owned by Essilor and PPG Industries.
Bes de Berc joins the Transitions Optical management team after spending several years with Essilor of America, where he was most recently president, Nassau Vision Group. He previously held senior-level operating positions with SOLA and American Optical (AO), and spent 10 years with AO’s laboratory based in France. His previous responsibilities included laboratory and retail operations in multiple countries. Prior to the optical industry, Bes de Berc held a general management position with L’Oreal.
Paul Peiffer, currently general manager for Transitions Asia Pacific, has been appointed director, strategic growth for Transitions Optical. He will lead the execution of opportunities for growing the global photochromic business. ■