PADUA, Italy—Safilo Group (SFLG.MI) has announced "an evolution of its organization design, aimed to support the implementation of the Group’s strategic plan for continued business development in the core North American market, and the acceleration of its business in the sport channel." The company said Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni has been named president of Safilo's global sport division. In addition, Vittorio Verdun joins Safilo as its new president of the North American market, according to the announcement.

Regarding Rinaldi Ceroni's new role, the company said it would be "leveraging his expertise and knowledge of the sport segment and his commitment to innovation and sustainability." Adding, "Under his leadership, Safilo aims to exploit Safilo’s strong portfolio of outdoor brands and capabilities across international markets, contributing to the group’s medium-term ambition of a strong and sizable sport channel which is expected to account for around 12 percent of sales by 2027."

Verdun is a senior global executive with more than 30 years of experience including 13 years in the eyewear sector as a leader of cross-functional international teams in North America, working on business development and strategy for all channels.

Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group, said, “We believe that our Global Sport Division creates important opportunities for us to proceed in our journey as a key player in the sector. We are thrilled that with Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni we have a strong leader of one of the core building blocks of our Group’s growth strategy. Furthermore, we welcome Vittorio Verdun as the president for the North American market. With his wealth of experience, knowledge and extensive skill set, he will optimally lead Safilo U.S. and Canada.”

 
 Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni (l) and Vittorio Verdun.
  
Rinaldi Ceroni, who joined Safilo in June 2020 as global manager of Smith Opics, was named president and chief commercial officer of Safilo North America, effective June 2022, as VMAIL previously reported.

Verdun's career includes years in eyewear marketing and sales in the U.S. and then Latin America for Luxottica Group followed by senior managerial roles in beauty and fashion businesses in Spain and Europe.

Safilo Group’s portfolio encompasses home brands: Carrera, Polaroid, Smith, Blenders, Privé Revaux and Seventh Street. Licensed brands include: Banana Republic, BOSS, Carolina Herrera, Chiara Ferragni, Dsquared2, Eyewear by David Beckham, Fossil, havaianas, HUGO, Isabel Marant, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade New York, Levi’s, Liz Claiborne, Love Moschino, Marc Jacobs, Missoni, M Missoni, Moschino, Pierre Cardin, PORTS, rag&bone, Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Jeans and Under Armour.