(L to R):Lauri Crawford, Ellen Haag, Maureen Cavanagh, Matt Tackman, Dori Abendschein, and Kevin Rupp.
DALLAS—Essilor of America announced several changes to its management team. The changes involve executives in charge of brand management, relations with consolidated ECP groups and retailers, eyewear dispensing and financing.

“Partnering with ECPs to deliver the best care and vision to their patients is what drives Essilor and allows us to fulfill our shared mission of improving lives by improving sight. The closer we are to our customers, the more effective of a partner we can be,” said Eric Leonard, President, Essilor of America. “These organizational moves are designed to tap into the natural talents and skills of our people to achieve our goal of providing superior service to our customers.”

Lauri Crawford has been named senior vice president, brand sales and category development. In this role, Crawford will focus on developing the key categories and brands across multiple channels and ensuring proper alignment between marketing and sales. Crawford will oversee the brand sales team, brand sales operations and lead the organization’s focus on Transitions/photochromics, Varilux/PALs, Crizal/AR coatings and Xperio UV/sun.

Ellen Haag has been named vice president, consolidated ECPs. Haag will build and develop a new business unit comprised of ECPs that are centrally managed organizations. This new role includes creating strategies and programs to stimulate growth for these ECPs and developing value-enhancing solutions.

Maureen Cavanagh has been named vice president, retail accounts. Her responsibilities include ensuring that Essilor is positioned to meet the business needs of its Retail customers through innovation, supply chain and unique business solutions. She will lead the team responsible for managing long-term sustainable growth through its channel strategy with a focus on customer support and a consumer-centric approach.

Matt Tackman has been named vice president, dispensing innovation. In this role, he will lead the strategy and innovation for programs that help dispensaries connect optical products and services with patients. Tackman will also lead the operations and teams in the upcoming EOA launch of new of products including Varilux, Crizal, Eyezen and Transitions.

Kevin Rupp, executive vice president and chief financial officer, has announced his intention to retire in the near future. To ensure a smooth transition and strong succession plan, Rupp will transition his responsibilities over the next two years. Rupp will maintain responsibility for Essilor of America’s legal, IT, I-Coat and Optisource teams, along with certain board positions, and will remain involved in key company initiatives.

Dori Abendschein, who joined Essilor of America on April 1, 2017, has been named senior vice president and CFO. Abendschein was previously senior vice president and CFO of North America for Schneider Electric. Prior to Schneider Electric, she held several senior-level finance positions including CFO Brinks North America, CFO/COO global financial and banking markets for British Telecom, and CFO Latin America for Dell.