De Rigo REM’s Mike Hundert was elected as
the new chairman of the board for The Vision Council at the organization’s annual executive Summit.
GRANDE LAKES, Fla.—Industry leaders gathered here for The Vision Council’s annual Executive Summit highlighted by executive-level networking, leadership development, and the latest in economic trends and business strategies. At the annual member meeting, The Vision Council officially elected its 2017 officers and Board of Directors.

During the Summit’s business meeting portion, it was announced that Mike Hundert, chief executive officer and chief creative officer of De Rigo REM, has been elected as the new chairman of the board, with Ken Bradley of Eschenbach Optik tapped as the new vice chairman, and Robert Liener of A&A Optical as the secretary/treasurer. Marty Bassett of Walman Optical is now the immediate past chairman.

Also elected at the meeting were directors-at-large Kurt Atchison of Schneider Optical Machines, Henri Blomqvist of Safilo, Rick Tinson of Hoya, and Fabrizio Uguzzoni of Luxottica Wholesale, each selected for an initial two-year term. In addition, Bob Colucci of Essilor and Glenn Rusk of Kering Eyewear were each selected for a second two-year term. The complete roster for the 2017 Board of Directors can be found online at thevisioncouncil.org.

The event, taking place here on Jan. 25 to 27 at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, has drawn a record number of high-level executives from the optical industry with close to 400 attendees.

In his inaugural presentation as chairman of the board, also during the Summit’s business meeting, Mike Hundert outlined his vision for his tenure as chairman including strengthening and expanding many of The Vision Council’s flagship programs such as the International Vision Expos and VisionWatch market research program, and working to give a voice to the next generation of the industry’s leaders through The Vision Council’s Emerging Optical Leaders initiative.

Hundert also reinforced the organization’s dedication to growing the industry through an increased commitment to the Think About Your Eyes campaign and a strengthened partnership with the American Optometric Association.

“When we combine the strengths of The Vision Council with the clout of other industry organizations, our power multiplies exponentially. We will work to bring industry groups together to do everything that can be done to bring vision to all those who need it,” Hundert said.

“We will also continue to look to the future, building on what we began at this Executive Summit one year ago when we invited our member companies to bring together their best and brightest young people. These members of The Vision Council’s Emerging Optical Leaders will challenge our assumptions, question our ways and means, bring new approaches to old challenges, and provide vitality and excitement to all that we do.”

The 2017 Executive Summit program also showcases presentations from experts in business, economics, and strategy. The theme of this year’s event—Data Driven Leadership—debuted in Thursday’s opening keynote presentation from Billy Beane on his infamous Moneyball strategy where attendees were given an in-depth look at why and how to translate analytical results into business actions.

These themes continued through the second keynote address of the day from Hannah Ubl, whose multifaceted research-based program addressed how to navigate generational collisions, bridge communication gaps and prepare for the future of the work force.

Today’s program will be kicked off with a presentation from Writer of TechnologyStory and former CEO of three successful startup companies, Scott Klososky, discussing the power of data as raw material, and will conclude with crowd-favorite economist Brian Beaulieu.

The 2018 Executive Summit will be held Jan. 24 to 26 at the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, Calif. To access the annual meeting summary and post event resources from The Vision Council's 2017 Executive Summit, visit thevisioncouncil.org/executivesummit.