Vision-Ease Lens announces former CooperVision Inc. president John Weber as its new chief executive officer. Doug Hepper will transition to the role of executive chairman after more than 12 years of successful leadership at Vision-Ease Lens.

“As Vision-Ease Lens looks to its next era of growth, John’s experience with global business strategies will be invaluable,” Hepper said. “As I transition from day-to-day operations, I will continue to serve this company as executive chairman and on the board of directors, and anticipate great growth under John’s guidance.”

Weber joins Vision-Ease Lens after serving for six years as president of global contact lens company CooperVision, a business unit of Cooper Companies, where he led all aspects of the organization, including acquisitions and business development. Prior to assuming that role he was president of CooperVision Asia Pacific and served as executive vice president of worldwide operations for contact lens manufacturer Ocular Sciences.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in economics, Weber also holds an MBA from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California, and was a captain in the U.S. Army.

“Over the past 12 years, Doug made Vision-Ease Lens a success story in the optical market, guiding the company to a position of growth and leadership,” Weber said. “I look forward to partnering my global business development and acquisitions experience with the expertise of Vision-Ease Lens’ existing management team to broaden the company’s services and product offerings, as well as expand into new markets.”

Vision-Ease Lens was acquired by the private equity investment firm Wind Point Partners in September 2014.