TRANSITIONS OPTICAL ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PERSONNEL MOVES
Appoints Eric Zaretsky to Chief Financial Officer, and Michael T. Ruggeri Named Business Controller, Optical and Specialty Materials, PPG Industries
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., Dec. 22, 2008 – Transitions Optical, Inc. has appointed Eric Zaretsky as chief financial officer. In this new role, Zaretsky will provide strategic leadership and direction related to finance and purchasing, and will become a key member of the Transitions Optical Global Leadership Council.

“Eric’s strategic thinking ability, finance expertise and diverse professional background will all serve him well in this role,” said Brett Craig, president, Transitions.

Zaretsky joined Transitions from PPG Industries Inc. in 2007 as manager, business development, where he has spearheaded business development and global strategic planning functions. Prior to joining Transitions, Zaretsky held several finance roles at PPG Industries, the most recent being manager, finance for Optical Products. Zaretsky holds a master’s in business administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Michael T. Ruggeri, most recently chief financial and administrative officer, Transitions, was named as business controller for the Optical and Specialty Materials segment, PPG Industries, effective Jan. 1, 2009.

In his new role, Ruggeri will provide leadership to financial planning and strategic business initiatives focused on profitable growth across the Optical and Specialty Materials segment of PPG Industries, which owns Transitions in a joint venture with Essilor International.

“Mike’s solid business acumen coupled with his ability to build strong work relationships at all levels will serve him well in this new role,” said Rick Elias, chief executive officer, Transitions, and senior vice president, Optical and Specialty Materials, PPG.

Ruggeri began his career with PPG Industries in 1975 and climbed the financial ranks to become director, business development, Optical Products at PPG Industries in 2002. In 2005, Ruggeri joined Transitions as chief financial officer. He holds a master’s in business administration degree from Duquesne University.