César Melo, new CEO at FGX International.
SMITHFIELD, R.I.— FGX International, a leading eyewear designer and marketer and wholly-owned subsidiary of Essilor International (Reuters: ESSI.PA), announced that it has named César Melo as chief executive officer, effective today.

Melo arrives at FGX International after a 23-year career at Colgate-Palmolive, one of the world’s leading consumer products companies. Melo has lived and worked in the U.S., Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Russia in roles of increasing responsibility in general management and marketing with Colgate-Palmolive. Melo’s last position with Colgate was vice president–marketing, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

“César is an outstanding leader and brings a wealth of knowledge to FGX from the consumer packaged goods industry,” said current FGX International CEO Alec Taylor, who is retiring after seven and a half years at FGX. “César adds a true international perspective to our business that should help us significantly increase our global presence.”

“I am thrilled to become part of the executive team at FGX, building on Alec’s outstanding contributions” Melo said. “Their market leadership in non-prescription sunglasses and over-the-counter reading glasses will serve as a strong base as we innovate in these categories with exciting new products and further expand our business globally.”

FGX International Inc. is a leading designer and marketer of non-prescription reading glasses and sunglasses with a portfolio of established, highly recognized eyewear brands including Foster Grant, Sight Station, Magnivision, Gargoyles, Anarchy, Corinne McCormack, SolarShield and PolarEyes. FGXI also holds licenses for brands such as Ironman, Body Glove, Disney, Field & Stream, Dockers, Reebok, Nine West, NASCAR, and Panama Jack. Based here, FGXI has approximately 500 full time employees. Additional offices are located in New York City; Ormond Beach, Fla.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Toronto; Milan; Stoke-on-Trent, England; Mexico City; and Shenzhen, China.