Leadership Team
De Rigo REM
De Rigo REM is the Los Angeles-based subsidiary of Italian eyewear manufacturer De Rigo Vision, one of the world's largest eyewear companies. De Rigo REM executes brand management, creative services, as well as sales and marketing for the group's US-based brands, including Lucky Brand, John Varvatos, Jones New York, TUMI, DIFF Eyewear and Gap (coming in 2022). These brands are sold worldwide by De Rigo REM via the global distribution network of the De Rigo Group. The subsidiary also distributes other brands of the group in North America, including Police, Carolina Herrera Eyewear, Chopard, Furla, Lozza, Fila, Yalea, Escada and Philipp Plein.
De Rigo vision
De Rigo is a world leader in the design, production and distribution of high-end prescription frames and sunglasses. The Group is one of the most important players in the optical field thanks to retail chains General Optica (Spain), Mais Optica (Portugal), Opmar Optik (Turkey) and affiliate Boots Opticians (UK). Thanks to the extensive wholesale network managed by De Rigo Vision S.p.A., the Group's products are distributed in approximately 80 countries, mainly in Europe, Asia and the Americas, through 17 companies and over 100 independent distributors. Today, the Group is present in all of the world's most important markets with its own brands Lozza, Police, Sting and Yalea and licenses Blumarine, Carolina Herrera, Chopard, Diff Eyewear, Escada, Fila, Furla, Gap, John Varvatos, Jones New York, Lucky Brand, Mulberry, Nina Ricci, Philipp Plein, Tous, Trussardi, TUMI, Victor Hugo, Zadig&Voltaire. For more information on De Rigo, visit www.derigo.com
our mission
To continuously seek and implement ways to aid in our customer's success while growing a sustainable and socially responsible company. Proving valuable business insight directly from the field, De Rigo REM offers an extensive library of practice management trainings that are designed to equip Eyecare Professionals with a number of useful tools to help boost their Practice's product sell-through, efficiency and overall profit. To access these trainings, click here.
In addition to priding ourselves on quality product and superior service, De Rigo Rem works hard to give back to the community. De Rigo Rem's employees are reimbursed 20 hours each year for providing service to local and national charitable organizations such as Optometry Giving Sight, Aviva, Reading by 9 and Operation Christmas Child.
meet the team
De Rigo Rem is a full-service organization that's home to a remarkable cache of talent such as our seasoned sales force, in-house creative, marketing and financial management teams. From our collective expertise in every aspect of the eyewear industry, to our knowledge in the fields of technology, entertainment and fashion, we bring a unique perspective to brand development.
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see bioJeff Fitzhugh President
Jeff is a dynamic leader with a rich blend of domestic and international experience across diverse consumer product sectors, including eyewear, footwear, apparel and accessories. He covered several roles in companies like Converse, DC Shoes, Oakley and, in the recent past, the role of President and CEO of RAEN Optics, where he has demonstrated his ability to drive substantial business growth and organizational enhancements.
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see bioClaudio Ninotti, Industry Experience Since 2006 Executive VP of Finance and Operations
As the Executive VP of Finance and Operations, Claudio Ninotti manages the development of De Rigo REM’s financial and operational management strategy, contributing to the execution of the company’s strategic goals and objectives. In this key leadership position, Ninotti oversees the company’s Finance, FP&A, IT, Operations, Customer Service and Purchasing Departments.
An expert in business development, strategic planning and finance, he is an essential asset to the executive team. With experience that spans across the US, Asia and Europe, Ninotti brings a global approach that is backed by more than a decade of expertise in the eyewear industry. Before joining De Rigo REM in 2017, he successfully led the position of Group Financial Controller at De Rigo’s corporate headquarters in Longarone before moving to the Group’s Hong Kong subsidiary where he served as the CFO of Far East Subsidiaries.
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see bioJordan Gerardi, Industry experience since 2011 Vice President of Sales USA
As the Regional Vice President of Sales, Jordan Gerardi oversees the strategic direction and development of the company’s sales strategy in line with De Rigo REM’s profit and growth objectives in the US. In this dynamic role, he is also in charge of managing and elevating a highly competitive sales force in both the Eastern and Western Regions.
With years of leadership experience and success in driving sales for two of the top players in the eyewear industry, Gerardi brings remarkable talent and perception to De Rigo REM. Getting his start at Luxottica as a Sales Consultant in 2011, he was successful in fostering a powerful sales team and driving brand awareness in his territory to significantly grow accounts as well as drive high volume sales in the Eastern US region. He is also a certified speaker and has devoted countless hours of CE education to Eyecare Professionals around the country.
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see bioDonna Nakawaki, Industry experience since 1996 Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer
With more than 20 years’ experience in managerial accounting in the private sector coupled with eight years in the public accounting sector, I am a critical asset to the company. Bringing my managerial and technical skills to the company's dealings, I have created financial and reporting protocols, and information service systems which are crucial to the company. I spearheaded the VCA Benchmark Study, a recognized and valuable industry tool. A Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude graduate of UCLA, I was voted in 2006 one of the 50 most influential women in Optical by Vision Monday. I was also was elected one of the top CFO's in 2010 by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.
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see bioTalia Bruno VP of Key Accounts
As the Senior Director of Key Accounts, Talia Bruno leads the development and alignment of the key account channel as well as play a vital role in cultivating new business opportunities and aiding the corporate sales strategy to drive revenue and growth for De Rigo REM in North America.
With over twelve years of experience in the eyewear industry, she brings extensive knowledge to De Rigo REM, employing creative leadership and design direction for a multitude of high profile fashion brands ranging from luxury to accessible price points. Before joining De Rigo REM, she held senior level pGetting her start in the consumer package goods industry, she adds a unique perspective to the role with a diverse background in sales working for globally renowned companies such as Fortune 500’s Miller Coors Brewing and A.T. Cross before bridging into eyewear at Luxottica in 2008. Quickly rising through the ranks from a Regional Account Manager to their Senior Manager of Key Accounts, she effectively managed Luxottica’s top national customers and continuously exceeded sales goals, earning her the President’s Circle Award three years in a row. Most recently, Bruno served as the Key Account Sales Director at MODO where she was an integral part of their leadership team and helped build their organization from the ground up. With both a strategic and entrepreneurial approach, she was successful in rapidly developing and growing their key account business that resulted in double digit sales growth year over year.ositions at Safilo and Marchon where she oversaw the design and direction for the global collections of iconic brands such as Kate Spade, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Rebecca Minkoff and CK Calvin Klein.
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see bioNatalie Ekmekchian Brand Manager
As Brand Manager, I oversee products, services and product lines that fall under the North American market, which resonates with current and potential customers. My tasks are to monitor marketing trends and keep a close eye on competitive products in the marketplace using fresh marketing strategies. I develop the annual marketing plans, set the marketing budget and guidelines for the marketing department. My goal is to fulfill all brand management responsibilities for our U.S. based licensor business, including managing the relationship, forecasting, business planning and developing global/local marketing strategy as well as contract renewals and new license agreements. I assist in analyzing and evaluating business drivers of all brands sold in North America to support sales, product strategy, release plans, inventory, pricing, promotional plans and provide recommendations to support growth.
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see bioMario Lombardo Industry experience since 1999 Art and Trade Marketing Director
Over the past 20 years, I have directed De Rigo Rems art department and led creative and strategic teams working in physical and digital playgrounds, and with an overarching philosophy: to produce intriguing and compelling design that cuts through the noise and helps tell the stories of our products. Due to my vast experience developing, launching, and maintaining De Rigo Rems visual and digital communications, Ive had the opportunity to conceptualize and design thoughtfully crafted work to elevate De Rigo Rems corporate and branded communications.
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see bioRuzanna Melik-Stepanyan Senior Design and Product Development Manager
As the Senior Manager of Product Development, Ruzanna Melik-Stepanyan manages the design and development process of the De Rigo REM brands. In her current role she is also responsible for the growth of the product sustainability and performance.
Ruzanna brings many years of experience and strong knowledge in the eyewear industry to the De Rigo Rem Team. She has gained extensive knowledge in all aspects of the eyewear industry. Her ability to develop and oversee creative projects from concept to execution is one of her key characteristics. Ruzanna has a passionate eye for details and proven track record in achieving high quality level of design and development
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