Zyloware Eyewear has announced that Christopher D. Shyer, the company’s co-CEO and president, will retire from his executive role effective November 25, 2025. Shyer will remain a co-owner and continue to support the company’s direction and leadership team.

Shyer has been part of the family business since 1989, guiding Zyloware through major industry shifts, economic disruptions, evolving retail landscapes, and global challenges ranging from the expansion of vision insurance to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also played a key role in leading Zyloware through its 100th anniversary and in securing the investment from CenterGate Capital that enabled the acquisition of Kenmark Eyewear—an expansion the company says reinforces Zyloware’s position as the longest-running family-owned independent optical company in the U.S.

“Zyloware’s 100+ year old American legacy puts it in league with Disney, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg,” Shyer said, noting his ongoing commitment as an owner and supporter of the next generation of company leaders.

The company emphasized Shyer’s reputation for building long-standing relationships across the industry and fostering a culture rooted in collaboration and trust. His decision to step down, Zyloware stated, comes “with great reflection and deep appreciation for the company and the industry he has served so wholeheartedly.”

Shyer’s family has deep roots in the optical sector, including leadership roles with the Optical Manufacturing Association and The Vision Council. His own contributions include chairing key industry committees and co-creating the “Check Yearly, See Clearly” public health campaign. He also once consulted on an episode of Seinfeld involving a memorable purchase of women’s glasses by the character George Costanza.

Before joining the family business, Shyer earned his MBA from Columbia University and worked at Lever Brothers. His early years at Zyloware included training in the company’s New York City factory, where he learned the production process and design principles that shaped his approach to engineering fit, quality, and value for retailers and consumers. Throughout his career, he expanded the company’s licensing portfolio and built internal expertise in design, quality assurance, marketing, and analytics—helping Zyloware achieve one of the industry’s lowest back-order rates.

Shyer has also been recognized as an early LGBT leader in the eyewear business and is co-author of the award-winning memoir Not Like Other Boys. His philanthropic work spans organizations including GLSEN, The Acting Company, Public Health Solutions, and VisionSpring. He plans to continue these pursuits and will teach master classes in industrial design in the U.S. and abroad.

“My cousin’s dedication, vision, and tireless work ethic will be deeply missed day-to-day in the business,” said Jamie Shyer, co-CEO/COO. “But his continued co-ownership will inspire us as we carry forward the mission and values he has spent his life building.”

Zyloware expressed gratitude for Shyer’s decades of leadership and noted it looks forward to his continued involvement as the company enters its next chapter.

Source: Zyloware

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