Ronald A. Williams (l) and Bradley E. Singer.
 
NEW YORK—Warby Parker Inc. (NYSE: WRBY), a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand, has announced the appointment of Ronald A. Williams as lead director. The company has also named a new independent director, Brad Singer, to its board of directors, effective August 1, 2024. Williams has served as a member of Warby Parker’s board of directors since August 2021, according to the company. Before joining Warby Parker, he served as the chairman and CEO of Aetna Inc. from 2006 to 2010.

“Ron’s deep expertise in transformational leadership is helping Warby Parker lead the way in making the optical industry more customer and patient friendly. Our shareholders and our team are lucky to have such an exceptional and experienced leader as our first lead director,” said Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker.

According to the announcement, Singer previously served as chief operating officer and an investment partner at ValueAct Capital, chief financial officer of Discovery Communications, and chief financial officer and treasurer of American Tower Corporation. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Crown Castle, Inc., Sweetgreen, Inc. and Redfin Corp.

 
“Brad brings a wealth of experience as a dynamic operator and investor,” said Warby Parker's Dave Gilboa, co-founder and co-CEO. “His strategic vision and leadership will undoubtedly support our mission to scale and create impact, both within our category and beyond. We’re incredibly fortunate to welcome him to the Warby Parker team.”

Headquartered in New York City, Warby Parker operates 245 retail stores across the U.S. and Canada.