PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—Luxottica Group has appointed Jan Cory to the position of vice president-sales, for independents (3O’s and sun specialty).

Cory has been vice president of department stores and special markets for the company.

Her new role is effective October 1st, when she will assume responsibility for the management of the Independents sales force, including over 300 sales consultants and 15 regional managers.

“We are delighted to have a person of Jan’s caliber and commitment leading sales efforts for our independents’ division,” said Pierre Fay, executive vice president, wholesale NA, Luxottica. “We have put in place one of Luxottica’s most talented executives to lead the sales team, which further confirms our commitment to support the needs of our wholesale partners in this challenging business environment.”

Added Cory, “I am extremely excited to have been asked to lead the Luxottica independents’ sales team as we look to gain the trust and the business of the independent eyecare professionals.”

Fay told VMail, “This is an exciting new chapter for us. Cory is a professional with a proven record of over 20 years of achievement and experience in premium brand consumer products. She has been a valued member of the Luxottica leadership team since joining the company in March of 1998. As vice president of department stores and special markets, Jan has achieved extraordinary growth for her division, increasing market share and establishing Luxottica as the premier resource in the department store channel of trade.”

Cory succeeds Rich Makover, who served as VP sales for the professional optical division since 2006.