Iraj Kamili.

LONGARONE, Italy and NEW YORK—De Rigo Vision SpA, a leader in the international eyewear business, has appointed a new senior management team and embarked on a reorganization plan aimed at accelerating the growth process of the group’s brands in the U.S., according to De Rigo Group’s global CEO, Michele Aracri.

Iraj Kamili has been appointed general manager of De Rigo Vision USA, and will be based in Miami. Kamili, the company said, is an administrator with extensive experience in the management of international companies, including Alain Mikli, and holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He will supervise and develop De Rigo’s business in the North American market where he will be responsible for coordinating and optimizing all operational activities and strategies for the business.

In addition, the company has promoted Joey Sabado, formerly a regional manager for the company, to the new role of sales director for De Rigo Vision USA.

Aracri noted that the De Rigo group closed the 2014 year with sales of €375.5 million, an increase of 2.8 percent compared to 2013. The company cited 2014 as a positive year for Police, which experienced a 5 percent gain in sales and benefitted from the testimonial of soccer superstar Neymar in its campaign and the exposure of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The company also spoke to the continued strong performance of its other house brands, Sting and Lozza, the latter one of the longest-standing eyewear brands in Italy, founded in 1878. Chopard has been another strong performer in the designer portfolio along with Furla.

Europe represents the core of De Rigo’s sales, accounting for 60 percent of worldwide business. Aracri noted that Asia is growing quickly as is business in America, Italy and other parts of the world. “De Rigo is a solid company with a very sound economic foundation,” he told VMail. “We are committed to exploring additional opportunities in the Americas. The U.S. is a priority for us and we will grow our sales and consider acquisitions as well.”

Aracri also said that several new fashion brands in De Rigo’s international portolio will be coming to the U.S. soon. The De Rigo Vision SpA wholesale network distributes products in 80 countries through 13 companies and over 100 independent distributors. The group’s total brand portfolio includes its own brands Lozza, Police and Sting along with such licensed brands as Blumarine, Carolina Herrera, Chopard, Escada, Furla, Lanvin, Loewe, Tous and Zadig & Voltaire.