Viva International Group names industry veteran Antonio Bortuzzo as new president

SOMERVILLE, N.J., March 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Viva International Group (Viva), headquartered in Somerville, N.J., has named Antonio Bortuzzo as its new president. The news that Bortuzzo would be joining Viva and the HVHC Inc. family of vision companies was announced this week in conjunction with International Vision East in New York City. He will begin his new job on May 6, succeeding Sherry Lay who served as interim president following the departure of Frank Rescigna several months ago.

"Antonio's professional experiences, outstanding credentials and leadership skills will be a real asset to Viva and our entire HVHC Inc. family of companies," said David Holmberg, HVHC Inc.'s president and chief executive officer. "He is a visionary leader with significant industry experience, and I am confident he will help us continue to grow our business and enhance our presence as an industry leader."

Most recently, Bortuzzo was chief executive officer (CEO) of Alain Mikli International Group in Paris. Mikli designs, manufactures and distributes ophthalmic frames and sunwear, and has retail stores worldwide.

Previously, he was the CEO of fashion optical eyewear wholesaler Allison S.p.A. in Padova, Italy, and, from 2002-2007 he was the CEO and general manager of Marcolin Group, Belluno as well as CEO of Marcolin, U.S. in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Viva International Group is a global leader in high-quality, fashion eyewear. Its portfolio ranges from accessible luxury brands GANT by Michael Bastian and GUESS by Marciano, to fashion and lifestyle brands BONGO®, CANDIE'S®, Catherine Deneuve, GANT, GANT Rugger, GUESS, Harley-Davidson®, RAMPAGE®, SKECHERS and William Rast, and value names Viva, Magic Clip®, and Savvy.

Viva (www.vivagroup.com) was one of the first American eyewear companies to expand internationally and currently maintains five direct sales offices in the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Canada and Hong Kong. Joint ventures and direct sales forces are also maintained in Australia, Austria, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Viva, is a business unit of HVHC Inc., an integrated vision care company, which also includes Davis Vision Inc. and Visionworks, formerly Eye Care Centers of America. HVHC Inc. has assembled many businesses and brands under one umbrella, which allows it to offer a wide variety of competitive products and services. Together, the companies provide a total eyecare and eyewear experience. For more information, please visit www.vivagroup.com.

SOURCE Viva International Group