PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – Transitions Optical, Inc. has named Sherianne James, vice president, marketing and John Ligas, vice president, R&D, effective immediately.

“Maintaining what is unique about Transitions Optical, and looking for new ways to build the Transitions® brand and our technology continues to be a priority for us,” said Paddy McDermott, president, Transitions Optical. “Both John and Sherianne have made many contributions to our company over the years and their proven leadership expertise will enable us to work toward global and regional growth of the photochromic category.”

In her new role, James will help set the marketing strategy for photochromics throughout the organization and globally. To enable alignment of all initiatives, the regional marketing directors will now report to her. Under her leadership, they will work together to grow consumer demand for adaptive lenses and drive brand value for all of Transitions Optical’s customers.

James joined Transitions Optical in 2011 as director of global consumer and professional insights, before being promoted to the role of director of North America marketing in 2012. She was promoted to her current role of director, global marketing, in 2014, where she has been responsible for leading the global strategic marketing team and the global marketing council. James earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and her master’s from the Kellogg School of Management, Chicago.

In Ligas’ role as vice president of R&D, he will manage the Transitions Optical R&D team, including the evolution of light management technology. He will continue to serve as a member of the Transitions Optical operating committee.

Ligas joined PPG’s chemical division as a technician in 1973 in Barberton, Ohio. In 1980 he received his chemical engineering degree from the University of Akron and has been working in the photochromic field since 1988. Ligas transferred to the PPG Monroeville technical center in 1989. In 1992, he joined Transitions Optical in Pinellas Park as engineering manager, promoted to director, Product Leadership Team, in 1997 and then to his current position as director, R&D, in 2008.