Vittorio Tabacchi new President of ANFAO and MIDO

Vittorio Tabacchi, Knight of Labor was elected the new President of Anfao and Mido during the annual general meeting held the 25th of september at the head office of Certottica in Longarone (Italy). Formerly President of Anfao in 2001-2003, Mr. Tabacchi accepted the dual institutional position with the usual enthusiasm that has traditionally been the distinguishing feature of his involvement in the sector. Chairman of the Safilo Group, he is known internationally as one of the world's most knowledgeable experts of the great tradition of eyewear. The mind and mover behind numerous cultural initiatives in Italy and abroad, he has made a huge contribution to the development of the Eyewear Museum in Pieve di Cadore, which houses a collection of rare, fine eyeglasses.

The general meeting also elected five Vice Presidents of Anfao with specific operating authority: Paolo Cannicci, Dan Levi, Cyrille De Montvalon, Valter Da Rin, and Cirillo Marcolin (Past President). Dan Levi, in charge of Mido, and Cyrille de Montvallon, representing the lens group, were confirmed for a second term, while the following new entries have joined them: Paolo Cannicci, in charge of promotion and internationalization, and Valter Da Rin, in charge of the Anfao Labor Committee; Cirillo Marcolin will instead be in charge of relations with Confindustria and the Trade Federation of Fashion and Personal Accessories, FIAMP.

The new President, Vittorio Tabacchi, will retain operating authority for the CDV - 'Eyecare Commission' - a body that brings together scholars in different disciplines that has always had an active role in informing and guiding public opinion, with information and awareness campaigns on the delicate issues associated with eyecare and eye health.

The General Meeting also appointed a new Board of Directors, with 10 members:Nicola Del Din (Pramaor), Massimo De Rigo (De Rigo), Stefano Larcher (GB Occhialeria), Giannino Lorenzon (Safilo), Cesare Massacesi (Joint Project), Cristiano Milone (Mirage), Paolo Seminara (Italian Style), Renato Sopracolle (occh. Sopracolle), Enrico Tormen (Look Occhiali), and Gianni Vetrini (Barberini).

The most important appointments to the Mido Board of Directors were:
Paolo Baiocchi (Intercast), Elena Berton (Arlecchino), Mario Mella (Luxottica), and Silvio Vecellio Reane (Allison).

Mr. Vittorio Tabacchi, elected by a large majority, pointed out: 'I am very pleased to accept this prestigious appointment in an industry such as eyewear, which is widely recognized as one of the great strengths of the Italian economy. I would like to thank Cirillo Marcolin for his eight years as President, focused on improving this image around the world. Together with the Vice Presidents and Directors, I have been appointed to undertake an important task, which I will carry out with commitment and great passion.
Italian eyewear encompasses a boundless culture that is based on the values of style, creativity, and quality, but at the same time research, innovation, and professionalism. To sum all of this up in just three words, it is Made in Italy. To reinforce our success on an increasingly competitive international market, we must act together by adding to this heritage. A winning business culture is also based on the sharing of these values, constantly focusing on the future that awaits us.'

When Cirillo Marcolin handed over his duties to the new President, he reminisced on the most important events of his presidency: 'I have enjoyed great satisfaction in doing this job over the past several years; from having organized 20 shows on the world's leading markets, arousing attention and promoting the culture of Italian eyewear, a tradition that we have successfully exported even to younger markets, such as Russia and China, to having left tangible marks of Italian style on the most competitive markets, such as France and the United States. But perhaps the greatest satisfaction has been that of having taken Mido to the new Pavilions of the Rho-Pero Trade Fair, finally giving it a venue where it can compete with the best international trade fair structures. I am leaving this inheritance to my colleagues, certain that it will serve as springboard towards new, important goals.'