Melville, NY– Marchon Eyewear, Inc., a VSP Global company, is pleased to announce that General Optical (GenOp) and Marchon Australia have become wholly owned subsidiaries.

Marchon has been present in Australia since 1987 through its partnership with GenOp. This reorganization will enable Marchon to better service the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Peter Lewis, founder and CEO of GenOp and Marchon Australia, played a key role in the development and growth of Marchon in the market. After serving 28 years as CEO, Lewis has announced his retirement which will be effective October 31, 2015.

“I have experienced the optical industry’s complete transformation over the years, most notably the significant evolution and globalization of the market. I was able to rise to the challenges and build an integrated business solution with a primary goal – support independent optometry and enable them to compete successfully in the future,” stated Lewis.

Following Lewis’ retirement, GenOp and Marchon Australia will now be led by Brad Saffin, newly appointed Country Director, and Jonathon Lewis, Managing Director.

Saffin began his career in the eyewear industry in 2002 as the Director for Dragon Alliance’s South Pacific subsidiary based in Australia. He later relocated to Dragon’s headquarters in San Clemente, CA where he spent the past three years as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. His primary responsibilities consisted of overseeing the development and execution of Dragon’s global sales and marketing initiatives.

Saffin commented, “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of Peter Lewis and continue the excellent work he has done providing independent optometry with the products and tools to compete successfully in the Australian market. I am beyond excited to join GenOp and Marchon Australia and expand its leading portfolio of brands in the region.”

Jonathon Lewis has been with the organization since 1996 and has held various senior positions including Inventory Manager, Product & Distribution Manager, and most recently Managing Director.

“We are committed to investing in the region and leveraging the legacy established by Peter and his team.  We look forward to continue building relationships in the market while delivering compelling products, innovative marketing and outstanding customer service commensurate with our company,” commented Claudio Gottardi, President and CEO of Marchon Eyewear.