ABB Optical Group Names VP To Lead Development of New Eyewear Division

 
 Nan Meehan
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.—ABB Optical Group, a leading distributor of optical products, has announced that Nan Meehan has joined the company as vice president of eyewear.

In her new position, Meehan will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and development of ABB Optical Group’s new eyewear division. A statement from the company said, “Her role is integral to the company’s operations as it prepares to expand its frame distribution services to offer eyecare professionals a wide variety of new frame products. Through this new division, ABB Optical Group will create a full-on optical solution and allow eyecare professionals to streamline the process of ordering optical products, which will cut costs for consumers and manufacturers.”

Meehan has more than 25 years of sales, marketing and management experience. Previously, she served as director of sales for ACCO Brands, one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded office products, where she led a team of 50 associates and increased divisional revenues by $30 million.


World Council of Optometry Appoints Natalie Briggs New Chief Executive

 
 Natalie Briggs
LONDON—The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has announced the appointment of Natalie Briggs as its new chief executive. Briggs has worked at the executive level in education and management, most recently serving as chief executive of Vision Aid Overseas and prior as head of the Raven Department of Education at The Royal College of Surgeons of England, WCO said.

Susan Cooper, WCO president, said, “We are delighted that Natalie will be joining The World Council of Optometry as chief executive at this very exciting time for the organization. WCO’s mission is to promote eye health and vision care as a human right through advocacy, education and policy development.”

Briggs has served as a trustee on the Vision 2020: Right to Sight board, is currently a trustee with The Steel Charitable Trust and is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, according to WCO.


Ken Elstad Named Director of Sales for PFO Optima

   
 Ken Elstad  Claudine Williams
IRVING, Texas—PFO Global has appointed Ken Elstad as director of sales for PFO Optima, a subsidiary division which manufactures and distributes Resolution polycarbonate lenses, Acuity progressive design lenses, Identity customized progressive lenses and Upgrade single vision design lenses. He will be responsible for the sales growth of PFO Optima’s lens business and PFO Technologies’ eyeX3, the newest laser platform for the optical industry based on non-contact frame tracer capability.

“Ken brings over 17 years of distinguished experience in business development, program management, and sales operations to the PFO Team,” said Rudolf Suter, president and CEO of PFO Global. “He has extensive experience in initiating start-up activities, developing strategies, and executing capture plans for successful business efforts.”

Prior to joining PFO Optima, Elstad worked at Pech Optical. During his 17 years at Pech, he worked as a sales representative and regional manager, most recently serving as vice president of sales expansion and product development.

In other company news, PFO Global has named Claudine Williams as executive assistant/ marketing communications coordinator. She succeeds Kristina Roberts, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. Williams has over 15 years of experience in media communications, sales and marketing. Most recently, she was employed as a sales representative with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Irving, Texas.

In her new role, Williams is responsible for the overall leadership of the marketing department and the marketing staff. She reports to Rudolf Suter, president and CEO.


Vision-Ease Lens Honors GARY Laskowsky with Eager Beaver Award

 
Gary Laskowsky
RAMSEY, Minn.—Gary Laskowsky, a key account manager for Vision-Ease Lens, was named the company’s top salesperson for 2013 and earned the Eager Beaver Award during the company’s recent annual national sales meeting in Orlando, Fla. In 2013, Laskowsky grew his sales by 51.9 percent and had a 17.07 percent increase over his customer base target.

“Gary’s unique perspective, along with his strong passion, commitment to excellence and competitive spirit, helped him achieve Vision-Ease Lens’ highest sales honor for 2013—the Eager Beaver Award,” said Tim Rongitsch, director of sales for Vision-Ease Lens. ■