News

January 15, 2007 – Smithfield, RI

FGX International, a leading designer and marketer of optical brands and a full line of costume jewelry, today announced seven key executive promotions.

Chief Financial Officer Brian Lagarto was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with continued responsibilities for Finance and Human Resources. Mr. Lagarto, a Certified Public Accountant, has been with FGXI since 2000 and is a graduate of Bryant College. Mr. Lagarto resides in Cumberland, RI.

Gerry Kitchen, currently Vice President of Operations, was promoted to Executive Vice President – Operations with continuing responsibilities for supply chain management, product procurement and distribution. Mr. Kitchen joined FGXI in 2004, and is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Kitchen resides in Little Compton, RI.

Tom Fernandes was promoted to Vice President – Merchandising and will take on total responsibility for FGXI’s merchant team. Mr. Fernandes has been with FGXI since 1998 and most recently held the position of Senior Merchandising Manager for Reading Glasses. Mr. Fernandes is a graduate of Providence College and resides in Fall River, MA.

Rick Christy was promoted to Vice President – Customer and Field Service and Supply Chain Management. Mr. Christy, a 16-year veteran of FGXI, was formerly Director of Supply Chain Management and has added responsibility for the Company’s 2200 person field service organization. Mr. Christy is a graduate of Bentley College and resides in Norton, MA.

John Connors was promoted to Sr. Merchandising Manager for FGXI’s Reading Glasses business. Mr. Connors has been with the company for nine years, most recently as Director of International where he was in charge of the Company’s operations in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Mr. Connors attended Bryant College and lives in Johnston, RI.

Don Juliano was promoted to Senior Director of Demand Planning and POS Analysis. Mr. Juliano was formerly Director of Demand Planning and has been with FGXI for seven years. In his new role Mr. Juliano has added responsibility for analysis of customer sales data and trends. Mr. Juliano lives in Hanover, MA and is a graduate of Merrimack College.

John Knobel, formerly the Manager of Customer Service, was promoted to Senior Manager of Customer Service with added responsibility for the warranty and call center areas and international customer service. Mr. Knobel has been with FGXI since 1998 and is a graduate of Bridgewater State College. Mr. Knobel lives in Coventry, RI.
FGX International is a leading designer and marketer of non-prescription reading glasses, sunglasses and costume jewelry with a portfolio of established, well-recognized brands including Foster Grant, Magnivision, Anarchy, Angel and Gargoyles. FGXI also has licenses in certain product categories from Ironman, Levi Strauss, Body Glove and C9 by Champion. FGXI has a collection of fashionable, high-quality eyewear and jewelry products. Based in Smithfield, Rhode Island, FGXI has approximately 300 full-time employees.

For additional information contact:
Sal Siano
Phone: (401) 719-2160
E-mail: ssiano@fgxi.com