Centennial Optical announces personnel changes in its lens division

After over 23 years with Centennial Optical, Mike Jones, Vice-President of  Lens Sales has announced his decision to retire effective January 7th, 2022.  Having joined the company in August, 1998 as Director of Sales for Lenses,  Mike has led a sales team of dedicated lens representatives in addition to directing the marketing, sales administration, purchasing and inventory control functions for the lens division. 

“Mike has been a terrific leader for Centennial’s lens team, growing our business and developing many new product partnerships and sales opportunities for the company”, said Centennial President Allen Nightingale,  adding, “although we can’t fully replace Mike, we are confident in the ability of the highly experienced lens team we have in place to take over the majority of his responsibilities.” 

Paul André Desjardins, who been a lens sales manager with Centennial for over 30 years, has been promoted to the position of Director of Sales for Lenses and Lab Services. Paul’s new responsibilities will encompass the full range of the lens business, including marketing, sales strategies, product development and lab services. “This is a well-earned opportunity for Paul André, he has been fortunate to be mentored by a great leader in  Mike, and I have every confidence that he will be a key player in our continued growth”, says Nightingale.

Rick Leroux will continue as Director, Marketing & Communications with over 24 years in this role with  Centennial’s lens division. With over 30 years’ experience with Centennial, Linda Mills continues as  Sales Administration Manager for Lenses and Naina Mistry continues in her role as Purchasing and  Inventory Control Supervisor with over 41 years with Centennial Optical. 

Founded in 1967, Centennial Optical is a proudly independent Canadian-owned supplier of quality  lenses, ophthalmic frames and sunglasses to the Canadian optical industry. With headquarters and  central distribution located in Toronto, Centennial also has local distribution centres and customer  service in Montreal and Vancouver.