Published through 2026-11-03 06:01 UTC · Automated cloud publishing.
Marchon Co-Founder Larry Roth Dies at 75; Leadership Appointments Announced Ahead of Unification
Understand the event
The eyewear industry continues to process the loss of Laurence “Larry” T. Roth, co-founder and former co-president of Marchon Eyewear, who died on September 27, 2026, at age 75. Initial reports from Marchon Eyewear and Marcolin highlighted his pivotal role in establishing the company in 1983 alongside Al Berg and Jeff White. Subsequent coverage expanded the scope to include VSP Vision, reflecting broader recognition of his contributions across affiliated entities. Vision Monday later confirmed that Roth’s death followed a battle with cancer and noted his origins in Queens, New York, adding personal depth to earlier corporate statements. While initial announcements focused on his foundational impact on Marchon’s growth, later reporting emphasized the specific cause of death and biographical background. In a distinct development unrelated to the mourning period but occurring within the same corporate ecosystem, 20/20 Europe reported on October 10, 2026, that Marcolin and Marchon Eyewear announced new senior leadership appointments. These moves aim to strengthen synergies ahead of their full unification scheduled for early 2027. The collective tributes underscore Roth’s enduring legacy, while the leadership news signals ongoing structural evolution within the VSP Vision-owned entities.
AI-generated from reporting · updated 24 days ago
Developments
- 10-10 18:20 · 1 reportsMarcolin and Marchon announce new leadership appointments20/20 Europe：Marcolin and Marchon Announce Integrated Leadership Appointments Ahead of 2027 Unification
- 9-29 12:00 · 2 reportsMarchon Eyewear and Marcolin announce passing of co-founderEyecare Business：Marchon, Marcolin and VSP Vision Announce Death of Co-Founder Larry Roth
Reporting timeline
Follow the reporting for different perspectives.
- 20/20 EuropeMarcolin and Marchon Announce Integrated Leadership Appointments Ahead of 2027 Unification
Marcolin and Marchon Eyewear, both under VSP Vision™, announced new senior leadership appointments to strengthen synergies and support integration ahead of their full unification scheduled for early 2027. Marco D’Acunzo assumes the role of President Eyewear Americas, overseeing operations in the US, Canada, and Latin America. Antonio Castiglione is appointed Managing Director LATAM for both companies. Ross Brownlee becomes President Eyewear EMEA & APAC, effective September 1, leading these regions as a single integrated business unit. Lorenzo Barberio is named Managing Director APAC for Marcolin and Marchon. Nicola Zotta, President of Eyewear and Managing Director of both brands, stated that this integrated leadership model aims to accelerate decision-making and enhance client support globally.
- Vision Monday — BusinessOptical Industry Mourns Larry Roth, Marchon Eyewear Co-Founder
Laurence “Larry” T. Roth, co-founder and former co-president of Marchon Eyewear, died at age 75 on September 27, 2026, following a battle with cancer. Born in Queens, New York, Roth established Marchon in 1983 alongside Al Berg and Jeff White, overseeing U.S. sales structures as the company grew into a global leader in licensed eyewear brands including Nike, Calvin Klein, Fendi, Coach, and Michael Kors. VSP Vision acquired Marchon in 2008. Afterward, Roth founded the racing and breeding operation LNJ Foxwoods with his wife Nanci and daughter Jaime. Industry colleagues, including VSP Vision’s Nicola Zotta and The Vision Council’s Mitch Barkley, issued tributes highlighting his analytical mind, sales strategies, and lasting impact on optical industry culture.
- Eyecare BusinessMarchon, Marcolin and VSP Vision Announce Death of Co-Founder Larry Roth
Marchon Eyewear and Marcolin announced the passing of industry veteran Laurence “Larry” Roth on September 27, 2026, at age 75. A co-founder of Marchon in 1983 alongside Al Berg and Jeff White, Roth served as co-president and shaped US sales strategies until the company’s sale to VSP Vision in 2008. Nicola Zotta, president of eyewear at VSP Vision and managing director of Marchon and Marcolin, praised Roth’s analytical skills and lasting influence on the teams. After leaving Marchon, Roth founded the racing and breeding operation LNJ Foxwoods with his wife Nanci and daughter Jaime. He is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren.