ESSILOR OF AMERICA NAMES CARL BRACY AS VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING
Experienced Global Marketing Leader to Guide External Communication of Essilor Products and Services

DALLAS - (October 27, 2004) – Carl Bracy, a veteran marketing executive with major international company experience, has been named vice president of Marketing for Essilor of America. Most recently serving as senior vice president of Retail Markets for TXU Corp., a Dallas-based energy company, Bracy will be providing strategic vision and leadership for an already strong Essilor of America Marketing Group and will be responsible for the introduction of Essilor’s products and services to the marketplace.

“Carl’s broad background in combined general management and marketing roles will help guide our organization on the most effective ways to communicate our message,” said Hubert Sagnières, president of Essilor of America. “Carl will be a tremendous asset as we continue to introduce enhanced ophthalmic lenses with the highest advanced technological components built in.”

In addition to TXU, Bracy’s background includes executive level marketing and general management roles at The Procter and Gamble Company and GTE/Verizon, with experience leading marketing, sales, and product development organizations. In his new role at Essilor, Bracy will report directly to Sagnières.