DEL MAR, Calif.—Fred Howard, Carl Zeiss Vision’s president for the Americas region, is leaving the company at the end of August and will be succeeded by Joe Donahoe, an executive with Carl Zeiss Meditec, VMail has learned. Howard is resigning his position to pursue “other professional opportunities,” Carl Zeiss told VMail. 

Donahoe, who currently serves as president of sales in the Americas for Carl Zeiss Meditec, will be responsible for all commercial activities in North America, Australia and New Zealand as well as for further developing Zeiss’ relationships. He will assume his new role as of Oct. 1, Zeiss said. He has extensive experience in the ophthalmic and microsurgical businesses, according to Zeiss.

Additionally, Sergio Maranhao has been named president of Carl Zeiss Vision’s Latin America division, effective Oct. 1. He will be oversee Zeiss’ commercial activities and Rx business in Mexico, Central America and Latin America.

Maranho has been Carl Zeiss Vision’s vice president for Latin America since 2008. He has 15 years of experience in the ophthalmic business, and previously served as commercial director for Essilor.

Both Donahoe and Maranhao will report to Carl Zeiss Vision’s management in Aalen, Germany.

Zeiss’ Latin America business unit had previously reported to Howard, but will now operate more independently, according to Zeiss, which said it plans to expand its customer service and management capabilities in the region.

Howard joined Zeiss in 2007 as president for the Americas region. He has been responsible for developing a successful leadership team in North America as well as in Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, according to Zeiss. The company said Howard “re-energized the commercial activities and established excellent top level relationships with our key customers.”