Optical Prism November 2014 | Page 40

Glimpses CREATIVE ENERGY AT SILMO 2014 The international optics and eyewear trade fair in Paris drew to a close in an undoubtedly positive atmosphere. It is clear that business volume was strong, despite an economic climate characterized by a great many international geopolitical tensions along with the regulatory uncertainty affecting the industry in France. The 2014 gathering proved once again that SILMO PARIS is the keynote event to launch new brands (very high numbers this year), discover new companies from all over the world (more than 150 out of a total of 900 exhibitors) and capture the latest trends courtesy of various forecastin tools (Happy Color, Fashion Style, Mo by Silmo etc.). It also offers an opportunity to appreciate the creative energy displayed by exhibitors, who take advantage of this international springboard to unveil innovative products and attrac tive collections. Another important component of the exhibition was health and training for opticians, delivered via the SILMO ACADEMY. Over the 2-day event, participants debated and exchanged views on the subject of eye strain. This has become an extremely well-coordinated symposium enhanced by a number of technical workshops which were greatly appreciated and well attended by opticians. Next year's Silmo, is scheduled for September 25 to 28 at the Paris Villepinte Exhibition Centre. 36 Optical Prism | November-December 2014 IMÒ APPOINTED HEAD OF KERING ASIA PACIFIC Kering announces the nomination of Carlo Imò as head of Kering Asia Pacific, effective December 1st, 2014. He will report to JeanFrançois Palus, Kering group managing director. Carlo Imò will become the main representative of Kering in the Asia Pacific region. In this role, he will support the international expansion of Kering brands in Asia Pacific. Carlo Imò will succeed Mimi Tang, who, after 16 years spent within the group, has decided to move on to a new chapter of her life. She will remain a member of the board of the Kering Foundation. François-Henri Pinault, Kering chairman and CEO, declared: “Mimi has been essential to the development of all our brands, more specifically Gucci, in the Asia Pacific region. Thanks to both her professional skills and her human qualities, she has earned the respect of many in our industry. I would like to thank her for her commitment and wish her all the best in her future endeavors” He added: “I am enthusiastic . today about welcoming Carlo Imò in this new role. With his extensive experience within our Group and in the region, he is an asset for the prosperous development of our brands in Asia Pacific” . Carlo Imò joined the Kering group in 2001 as Worldwide Gucci general counsel. In 2007, he was appointed Kering Asia Pacific general counsel and then, vice president of human resources Asia Pacific.