GROVE CITY, Ohio—Phill Phillips, a founding partner and owner of Latham and Phillips Ophthalmic (LPO) has retired from the company, effective Sept. 1, 2014.

Phillips has spent the last 25 years building LPO into one of the largest optical instrument distribution companies in the U.S.

Commenting on Phillips’s accomplishments, Marc Abitbol, CEO of Luneau Technology, LPO’s parent company, said, “On behalf of the team at LPO and Luneau Technology, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for the years of service Phill has provided. He has built this business based on customer service and quality products that will continue for many years to come.”

Latham and Phillips has appointed Jerry Looker as vice president of sales. Looker will assume the responsibility of operations at LPO’s Grove City, Ohio headquarters in place of Phillips. Previously, Looker was a regional sales manager for Reichert Technologies for 28 years.

“I have worked with Phill and his team on multiple occasions over the years, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with them on a daily basis,” said Looker. “LPO will continue to serve our customers and maintain the relationships we have enjoyed through the years with all of our industry partners.”