Alex Wilkes.

DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the largest optical retail companies in the U.S., has announced the appointment of Alex Wilkes as National Vision’s president, reporting to Reade Fahs, chief executive officer of National Vision, effective August 19, 2024. The company told VMAIL that Wilkes' role as president is a new position. This follows the company’s announcement on July 1, 2024, of Mark Banner joining the company as chief stores officer. National Vision also announced that Patrick Moore, the company’s chief operating officer and former chief financial officer, has shared his plans to retire at the end of this year.

Wilkes joins National Vision from CooperVision, where he served as president of the Americas. Prior to CooperVision, Wilkes spent over a decade at EssilorLuxottica in various roles, including as senior vice president and general manager of Pearle Vision, where he was responsible for oversight of the brand.

“We are excited to welcome a leader of Alex’s caliber to National Vision. His depth of experience across all areas of the optical industry, proven track record driving sales and profit growth and strategic acumen make him an ideal fit as our president,” Fahs said. “As president, Alex will work closely with all areas of our business to help accelerate our transformation to drive profitable growth, while sustaining the company’s culture and values that truly make us who we are. I look forward to working closely with Alex as we continue to deliver value to our patients, customers and stakeholders.”

Wilkes added, “Having watched the growth of National Vision for many years, I see enormous potential to continue to scale the company and provide ever more value with our existing customer base, and I am excited to join the company at this time in its transformation. I feel a strong alignment to the culture and values of National Vision and I look forward to getting to know the associates and doctors who are delivering great care and service to patients and customers across the nation.”

 
 Patrick Moore.
National Vision also announced that Moore, the company’s chief operating officer and former chief financial officer, has shared his plans to retire at the end of this year. Moore will remain in his role until August 19, 2024, the company said, at which time he will shift to an advisory role focused on supporting the leadership transitions.

“I am deeply grateful for Patrick’s partnership, friendship and countless contributions as a core member of our leadership team over the last 10 years,” said Fahs. “Patrick has been instrumental in leading several business transformation efforts, beginning with our IPO in 2017. In his tenure as COO, he has implemented an operational rigor that will enable us to continue to execute against our strategic initiatives. And what will perhaps be Patrick’s most enduring contribution is his dedication to mentorship, which has inspired a strong bench of leaders across National Vision. His deep understanding of our business and strategy has positioned us for long-term success, and his willingness to remain with us to ensure a smooth transition is evidence of his leadership.”

“National Vision has a tremendous impact on millions of people, and it has been the highlight of my career to help lead this company and work alongside our talented team," said Moore. "Over the course of my time here, our business has grown exponentially, and I am incredibly proud of all we have done to become an industry leader. I look forward to welcoming both Alex and Mark and watching the company's continued success.”


The company also reported yesterday its financial results for the second quarter ended June 29, 2024. Net revenue increased 4.6 percent to $451.7 million compared with the second quarter of 2023, the company said, and was primarily driven by growth from new store sales and adjusted comparable store sales growth, partially offset by the effect of converted and closed stores. It also revised its fiscal 2024 net revenue guidance from a range of $1.825 billion to $1.865 billion to a range of $1.820 billion to $1.840 billion.

National Vision Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest optical retail companies in the U.S. with more than 1,200 stores in 38 states and Puerto Rico. The company operates four retail brands: America’s Best, Eyeglass World, Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and an e-commerce website DiscountContacts.com, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eyecare needs.