From 3 to 5 February 2024, the spotlight is back on MIDO, global leader among eyewear tradeshows. For three days, stakeholders from all five continents will gather at Fieramilano Rho to discover the industry players that represent the entire eyewear supply chain in a highly international event.
WMIDO allows some exhibitors of MIDO 2024 to express their thoughts. Today’s interview is with Barbara Salimbeni, Managing Director of Marchon Italy.
You were recently promoted to Managing Director of Marchon Italy. What will be the main guidelines on which you will base your mandate?
I now hold the legal and administrative responsibilities of Marchon Italy, in addition to the responsibilities I still hold in my previous role as VP of Global Trade Marketing and Marketing Services. With these additions in place, we are ensuring the optimization and continued success of our processes.
Fostering gender inclusion and diversity is a fundamental aspect of my leadership philosophy. I am dedicated to creating a workplace that values and embrace diversity, recognizing that it not only enhances our culture but also contributes to the overall success and innovation of our company.
Gender equality truly sits at the heart of the many initiatives we have in place across Marchon Eyewear. Besides my appointment, we also have the leadership of our Italian factory in female hands and, for instance, the majority of our global brand leaders are women.
You are among the promoters of Empowering Optical Women Leadership, ANFAO's program created to support women in the eyewear industry on their path to leadership. Why is this initiative important in the current historical context and within the industry?
It is a great honor and a rewarding journey for me leading the “Empowering Optical women leadership program”, as Board Member of the Anfao General Council.
I believe it is fundamental to reverse a trend that sees the Italian eyewear sector historically characterized by overall high female employment not reflected in managerial and leadership roles.
I think that promoting women in the workplace goes beyond just a matter of equality. Studies consistently show that one of the most significant benefits is the positive impact it can have on financial performance for companies. Another benefit is the unique perspectives and experiences women bring to decision-making processes. Additionally, having more women in leadership positions can also serve as a role model and inspiration for future generations, creating a positive cycle. I believe that by promoting gender diversity in leadership, companies can have a positive impact on financial performance, employee engagement and retention, and attract top talent in a very competitive job market.
The countdown to MIDO 2024 has begun: what role does the fair play for your reality?
MIDO represents the kickstart of trade shows, where we showcase our brands and new collections for the Spring/Summer season, connecting with our customers, distributors and sales agents all over the world. It is also a great platform to communicate our sustainability efforts with our Eyes on Tomorrow® program.
Sustainability is undoubtedly a topic of extreme activity, born of the needs to elevate the purpose of business realities to contemplate a better future for all. This issue is very much felt by MARCHON and also by MIDO, which, in addition to being engaged in the forefront as an organization, has created ad hoc awards: the CSE Award - Certified Sustainable Eyewear that evaluates the sustainability of eyewear products at the international level and Stand Up For Green - designed for stands that stand out for their attention to the environment. Can you tell us what Marchon does in this regard? What activities do you do to support the future of the planet?
For quite some time, we believe that sustainability is no longer a trend but an obligation for Marchon. On this regard, our CSR platform, EYES ON TOMORROW® plays an important role. Built on three pillars - Eyewear, Supply Chain, People- this platform is our long-term global program dedicated to guide us in ensuring that our eyewear and our processes have a lessened impact on our planet. Marchon is committed to our CSR platform, and we are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve and build on our efforts now and in the future.
Last year, we were thrilled to win the Stand Up For Green Award, as we designed and showcased a booth that was aligned with our sustainability efforts. By using more sustainable and recyclable materials, we are showing the importance of CSR in our booth and the eyewear space. The booth this year is the same, using FSC® certified wood fiber panels, eco-friendly furniture and displays, recycled and biocompatible materials. The booth does not require energy-consuming tools to be assembled, and the lighting system consists of energy-efficient LEDs, with a long lifespan and no heat/UV emissions. Additionally, the frames displayed in the EYES ON TOMORROW® corner will showcase frame styles designed in sustainable materials, with new family additions, such as Recycled Stainless Steel.
Ph.: Calvin Klein
