Marchon Eyewear Announces Senior Executive Appointment

Marchon® Eyewear announced the appointment of Claudio Gottardi as President of Marchon and CEO of Marchon International. Gottardi will have responsibility for the company’s brand management, marketing, design, product development, new business development and the company’s international business outside the western hemisphere.

Gottardi will report directly to Al Berg, Marchon’s Chief Executive Officer. Continuing in their current roles, reporting to Berg, will be Larry Roth, EVP Western hemisphere Sales and Marty Fox, Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to Marchon, Gottardi was with the Sáfilo Group for 23 years, serving in various executive positions including Co-CEO of Sáfilo Group and CEO of Sáfilo USA and Solstice Marketing, Sáfilo’s retail sunglass chain.

“Claudio has an enviable record of success in the optical business. His industry relationships and
experience in all of the major aspects of the eyewear business will help us expand our business globally,” said Berg. “I am very excited about working with Claudio in the coming years to continue Marchon’s growth.”

The addition of Gottardi to Marchon’s executive team will allow Berg to focus more on Marchon’s longterm strategy and the development of new ways to support Marchon’s global customer base.
“I am proud to be joining one of the great eyewear companies in the world. Marchon is known for its innovation and dedication to quality, superior customer service and strong marketing programs,” said Gottardi. “I look forward to working with the entire Marchon team to build upon their success.”

“We are very pleased that Claudio is joining the VSP family. He is clearly a leader in the global optical industry.” said Rob Lynch, CEO of VSP, Marchon’s parent company. “Claudio’s skills and experience will be invaluable, particularly in increasing Marchon’s business internationally.”
Gottardi received a degree in Electronic Engineering and a minor in Economics from the University of Padova in Italy.