Safilo Group CFO resigns

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
July 10, 2023

Safilo Group announced on Friday the resignation of Gerd Graehsler from the role of group CFO, effective August 28, as the executive undertakes a "new professional experience." 

The Italian eyewear giant said it has already identified successor for Graeshler, who will be announced as soon as approved by the board of directors.

Before being appointed Safilo Group CFO in December 2014, Graehsler was Safilo’s director of new business development and corporate strategy. Ahead of joining Safilo, Graehsler starting working for Procter & Gamble in 2001, where he held roles of increasing responsibility in P&G’s finance and accounting functions, being ultimately appointed as CFO for P&G’s global fashion fragrance division in Geneva in 2013.

Safilo chairman Eugenio Razelli and CEO Angelo Trocchia thanked Graehsler for "his significant professional contribution and important support of the group’s turnaround process and development during all the years of the working relationship," according to a press release.

The news comes two weeks after ​U.S. fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger announced it has renewed its eyewear licensing agreement with Safilo, taking the partnership through to the end of 2030.

A global designer and manufacturer ​of prescription frames, sunglasses, outdoor eyewear, goggles, and helmets, Safilo Group owns the ​Carrera, Polaroid, Smith, Blenders, Privé Revaux and Seventh Street eyewear brands.

Its other licensed brands include Banana Republic, Boss, Carolina Herrera, Chiara Ferragni, Dsquared2, Etro, Eyewear by David Beckham, Fossil, havaianas, Hugo, Isabel Marant, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade New York, Levi's, Liz Claiborne, Love Moschino, Marc Jacobs, Missoni, M Missoni, Moschino, Pierre Cardin, Ports, Rag & Bone, and Under Armour.