RELATED CONTENT






Pascale Desroches

Head of Marketing
Essilor Canada
Montreal

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “After joining Essilor in 2019, Desroches established herself as a key leader at EssilorLuxottica and has quickly developed a deep understanding of the optical market. She successfully launched multiple innovative products, including the launch of Crizal Rock in Canada and the North America launch of Stellest.”





Pascale Desroches describes herself as a “passionate marketer.” A relative newcomer to the optical industry, Desroches honed her skills at Paris-based L’Oreal, holding positions in brand building and marketing director. She also worked on luxury consumption in Canada, for brands such as Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren.

“Being in the beauty industry for 17 years, I was looking for a new challenge that would combine relatable, reliable brands with a strong sense of purpose,” Desroches said. “I was amazed by the hyper-personalization of the optical industry. I wanted to be part of a team that works to combine desirable products with a life-improving experience.”

Desroches said Essilor’s commitment to innovation is key. The company focuses on research, innovation and premium technology and produces vision solutions for people at every stage of their lives. “It creates this urge to present new innovations at their fullest potential. One key example is the groundbreaking launch of Essilor Stellest lenses, which allow our clients to provide a strong answer to the worldwide myopia epidemic.”

Desroches navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with aplomb. Flexibility and resilience were important. Essilor completely readjusted its plans to support its partners by listening to their needs. The company revised its offers and brought different innovations that would drive consumers to clients’ practices, increased information and training, and leveraged its local labs to maximize services.

SHE SAYS… “I always take the perspective of the consumer and client, wondering how to better answer their needs and enhance their experience. Fostering authentic curiosity for projects, research and people is a strong enabler of growth.”


Yvonne Wolbeck

Head of Customer Service, Zeiss Vision Care U.S.
Carl Zeiss Vision
Hebron, Kentucky

CHOSEN BECAUSE… “Yvonne is a true problem-solver, not afraid to dig in and figure out the root causes. She works hard to ensure her team has the skills and support needed to be successful.”





Over the course of 25 years, Yvonne Wolbeck has risen from a customer service representative in a wholesale optical lab to where she is today—head of customer service and part of the vision leadership team for Zeiss U.S.

“I never thought 25+ years later I would still be in optics,” she joked. “However, the old saying still rings true—once you’re in optics, you never leave.”

Among Wolbeck’s many accomplishments, she’s proud to have successfully centralized the customer service team—assembling a team that supports not only each other and the company, but business partners, as well.

Wolbeck makes her mark by advocating to produce the best lenses and coatings, inspiring and strengthening customer service teams, and developing processes that lead to company growth.

She also plays a critical role in making decisions for the future of Zeiss U.S.

“I’m not afraid to take on different projects,” she said. “I’m the can-do person and will always do my best to find solutions to issues and problems.”

Today, she is a standout leader because of her great devotion to customers and employees. Wolbeck is eager to listen to her teams, to expand her knowledge of the changes in the industry, and think creatively to solve problems within her reach.

She always makes time for everyone, and she manages to balance a lot of people and personalities to find the best resolutions for all.

SHE SAYS… “The best feeling in the world is when you make a difference, and you make someone’s day brighter.”