News in brief February 13, 2009

Vision Express plans to open 500 eyewear outlets across India by 2015 ina joint venture between Reliance Retail and Dutch optical retailer Pearle Europe, according to local reports. VE has already opened eight outlets in Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Pune and Delhi in the last two months. Its head of marketing and operations Gijsbert Ackerm told local media that the Indian eyewear market is estimated to be worth around $900m, but that 'the share of organised retailers is miniscule'.

Claudio Gottardi has been appointed president of Marchon and chief executive officer of Marchon International. The former co-chief executive officer of Safilo and chief executive officer of Safilo USA will now be responsible for Marchon's brand management, marketing, design, product development, new business development and the company's international business outside the Western hemisphere.