PEOPLE People By Staff Monday, March 13, 2017 12:00 AM Giorgio Candido New General Manager, Giorgio Candido, Named to Head LensCrafters, Bridgman to Leave Company MASON, Ohio—Pete Bridgman, who has been general manager of LensCrafters within the Luxottica Retail North America group, and joined the brand a year ago to implement its expansion and digital transformation, will be leaving the company, VM has learned. Giorgio Candido, currently CEO of Salmoiraghi & Vigano, the Italian optical retail chain recently acquired by Luxottica Group, has been named general manager of LensCrafters to succeed Bridgman. Candido will take on his new role immediately. The changes were communicated internally by Massimo Vian, CEO of product and operations of Luxottica who thanked Bridgman for his contributions to the company and introduced Candido to the leadership team at LensCrafters. Bridgman was named general manager of LensCrafters in February of 2016 and has since led the introduction of a new store design and more advanced exam technology, among other initiatives for the chain. Before that, he was general manager of Pearle Vision for two years and previously served as vice president of strategy for EyeMed. A Luxottica spokesperson told VM that Bridgman will work with Candido on a smooth transition before he leaves. Luxottica first invested in Salmoiraghi & Vigano in 2012. In November of 2016, Luxottica exercised an option to acquire the remaining 63.2 percent stake in the group. Salmoiraghi & Vigano operates approximately 430 stores throughout Italy. The Luxottica spokesperson noted, “Giorgio is a seasoned and well-respected leader with 30 years of retail experience, which included 25 years leading large supermarket chains. For the past five years, he led the turnaround of Salmoiraghi & Vigano, Italy’s largest optical retailer, emphasizing the doctor-patient relationship and superior customer experience.” Frank Rescigna Wiley X Names Frank Rescigna as Senior VP of Sales LIVERMORE, Calif.—Wiley X announced that Frank Rescigna has joined the company as senior vice president of sales. A long-time optical executive, Rescigna is bringing a range of experience in the branding, licensing, sales and operations aspects of the global eyewear industry to the company, the announcement noted. Rescigna has served as president of worldwide licensing for the Guess! Brand, was president of Viva International Eyewear, co-owner of R Family Eyecare and president of Marcolin Eyewear earlier in his career. Rescigna is joining Wiley X in a milestone year for the company, as it marks 30 years in the performance protective eyewear business during 2017. “We have 30 great years behind us and amazing potential for future growth and expansion ahead of us,” said Wiley X co-owner Myles Freeman, Jr. “Having a person with Frank’s experience, industry understanding and reputation in this senior management position is key to taking this company to the next level. We are excited to bring him on board and for the key role he will have with our company moving forward,” added Freeman. “The Wiley X name is synonymous with premium protection, together with quality, style and innovation,” Rescigna said. “This company has a rich heritage and culture, and an extremely talented team of people. I am proud to join the Wiley X family and to be a part of their exciting next chapter.” Wiley X started as a provider of ballistic-rated military vision protection in 1987 has grown into a premium consumer sunglass brand worn by champion world-class stock car drivers, BASS Elite Series tournament anglers, active lifestyle and everyday outdoor enthusiasts. Wiley X has turned its battlefield-based technology into a widely recognized and expanding brand. Mike Evans Mike Evans Named Professional Eyecare Resource Co-Operative’s VP of Sales WEST COVINA, Calif.—The Professional Eyecare Resource Co-Operative (PERC) along with the Infinity Vision Alliance (IVA)—a combined doctor alliance and group purchasing organization with over 3,500 locations—announced the appointment of Mike Evans as vice president of sales. “We are excited to have Mike join our executive management team at PERC and IVA,” said David Golden, OD, and president of PERC/IVA. “His extensive experience in building an award-winning sales team at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care will be invaluable in helping align our team with our vendor partners to better communicate to our members the value of engaging in our exclusive programs.” Among his accomplishments, Evans was awarded Regional Business Director of the Year three out of the last five years at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care and his leadership was directly responsible for promoting numerous sales associates over the past 13 years, the company said. As vice president of sales, Evans will be responsible for the organizations’ sales goals that will keep PERC and IVA at the forefront of value and strength in the doctor alliance category, the company stated. He will be managing new member acquisitions, the Advantage Frame sales and strengthening members’ engagement with the “best in class” vendor pricing programs.