Montreal, August 30, 2017: Today, Essilor Canada announced Barbara Piper as President effective September 1, 2017. Having worked at Essilor in various roles for more than 18 years, most recently as Vice President, Key Accounts Strategies & Solutions for Essilor of America, Barbara will be responsible for furthering the company’s growth strategy in Canada. Her mandate will centre on bringing innovation to market, facilitating partnerships and acquisitions, and connecting Canadians with eye health products to help them see better.

“Barbara has held several successful roles at Essilor and her knowledge of the lens business will benefit the profitable growth of the Essilor Group in Canada,” explained John Carrier, Chief Operating Officer, Essilor International. “Her track record for not only developing but executing growth strategies will propel our team to achieve a higher level of success. This is especially relevant today as the market continues to evolve and we face new challenges and opportunities.”

Essilor is focused on the development and wide distribution of new products for the segmented needs of consumers. For example, in Canada, Essilor will launch Varilux X and Crizal Sapphire 360 in early 2018. In addition to branding key products in key categories to increase awareness with Canadians, Essilor delivers a truly integrated service to eye care professionals, offering them training and marketing support.

“Essilor’s mission worldwide is to improve lives by improving sight for each person on our planet. In Canada, like everywhere else, the demand for vision correction and vision protection is growing,” said Barbara Piper, incoming President, Essilor Canada. “I’m inspired by the opportunity to work with eye care professionals and other partners to make better eye health a reality for Canadians.”

Barbara succeeds Pierre Bertrand, President, Essilor Canada, who will return to Dallas to begin a new role at Essilor of America effective mid-October. Pierre led Essilor Canada for almost three years and contributed to both its sales growth and profitability. The company thanks and acknowledges his passion for success in Canada.