[bc]Essilor International Promotes Stephen Shawler as Vice President of newly established Essilor Korea Ltd.[/bc]
DALLAS – (January 30, 2003) – Essilor International recently completed an equally owned joint venture with South Korea’s Samyung Trading Co., Ltd. to form Essilor Korea, Ltd. and has named Stephen E. Shawler, a veteran sales management executive for Essilor of America, Inc., to be its vice president. Having led the brand sales group for Essilor Lenses the past two years, Shawler will bring his experience to the development of Essilor brands Varilux® and Crizal® in the Korean market. Essilor Korea also has a majority shareholdings in Chemiglas, a major lenscaster in South Korea. In his role, Shawler will liaise with Patrick Cherrier, President of Essilor Asia – Pacific Headquarters in Singapore which directs all the Essilor distribution businesses in the Asia – Pacific region.

“Essilor has an excellent opportunity in the Korean market. Stephen’s past experience in Asia, combined with his success promoting premium lenses in the US market made him the ideal candidate,” said Patrick Cherrier, President for Asia- Pacific. “Though our Lens Group will miss his leadership, Stephen will be an excellent addition to the Essilor Korea team to promote Essilor’s superior lens technology such as Varilux® premier progressive lenses and Crizal® anti-reflective lenses,” commented Mike Daley, President of Essilor Lenses.

Shawler, a member of the Essilor of America executive team, has nearly 20 years of optical industry experience. He has had leadership responsibilities for more than 130 sales professionals in all facets of sales and sales management including strategic planning, business development, marketing, customer service and product launches.

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Varilux®, Crizal® and Airwear® are registered trademarks of Essilor International, S.A.