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.

see bio
Susy Adzhimanukyan Senior Director of Key Accounts

As the Senior Director of Key Accounts, Susy Adzhimanukyan 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 twenty-five years of experience in the eyewear industry, Susy has a proven track record of building strong customer relationships, executing sales strategies, and delivering revenue growth in highly competitive markets. In her role, she oversees a team focused on optimizing business with major national and regional accounts. Their leadership bridges cross-functional collaboration across sales, marketing, supply chain, and product development to ensure a seamless experience for key partners and end consumers.
see bio
Sirin Boonyaratsuntron Director of Sales Operations and Key Accounts Operations

My role at Derigo is to ensure that every Sales Rep, Account, and employee in the Key Accounts and Independent Channels receives timely support, products, and information, while upholding integrity, maintaining the highest standards of service, and thoughtfully involving each department according to their expertise to support a collaborative and effective operation.
see bio
Eliza Cristea Sr. Director of Customer Maintenance and Support

Eliza has been with the company since 2018 and currently oversee several critical operational areas that support both customer experience and financial performance. Her responsibilities include managing the credit approval process, overseeing the setup of new customer accounts, and ensuring accurate and efficient customer card and pricing management. Eliza also handles customer billing adjustments, monitor and manage bad debt exposure, and maintain strong working relationships with buying groups, including oversight of data file management and integration. These functions play a key role in supporting business growth, maintaining financial integrity, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
see bio
Natalie Ekmekchian Director of Brands

As Director of Brands, 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.
see bio
Adriana Gutierrez Warehouse Director
see bio
Clare Lee Business Intelligence Manager

As Business Intelligence Manager, I oversee the development of reports and dashboards using tools such as SAP BusinessObjects and Power Query, ensuring they meet business needs and deliver accurate, actionable insights for informed decision-making. In this role, I work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to support data integration through third-party platforms. With a background in business systems development, I apply programming to streamline and automate reporting workflows, helping to reduce manual processes and improve operational efficiency. Prior to this role, I developed and implemented ERP system enhancements and solutions that significantly improved information accessibility and UI experience.
see bio
Mario 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.
see bio
Ruzanna 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
see bio
Zach Milam Vice President of Sales

Zach Milam is the Vice President of Sales - U.S. for De Rigo and a seasoned commercial leader in the eyewear industry. Known for driving growth, strengthening brand equity, and building high-performance sales cultures, Zach brings a proven track record of elevating teams and delivering measurable results. His career includes serving as National Sales Manager for Etnia Barcelona, where he guided a nationwide team and helped expand the brand's footprint across key markets.

He later joined MOREL USA as Director of Sales, leading a large sales organization through accelerated growth, strategic realignment, and improved field execution. Zach is passionate about partnering closely with retailers, empowering sales professionals, and creating environments where effort, consistency, and execution translate into success.
see bio
Doug Moore Director of Human Resources
see bio
Donna 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.
see bio
Doug Pocrass Supply Chain Director

Doug Pocrass leads the strategic direction and end-to-end management of De Rigo REM's supply chain. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing demand forecasting, global procurement, and inventory lifecycle management across the company's diverse brand portfolio. His leadership ensures operational efficiency and optimal product availability, directly supporting De Rigo REM's growth objectives in North America.

With years of leadership experience, Doug brings a wealth of cross-industry knowledge to the team. His background is rooted in managing complex supply chains and ensuring regulatory compliance for fast-paced consumer industries, including specialty foods and fashion. This diverse expertise provides a unique perspective on navigating global logistics and bringing high-quality products to market.
see bio
Mirko Spinella Director of Operations

Mirko Spinella is an experienced operations leader with over 15 years of success streamlining processes, leading cross-functional teams, and scaling business functions across logistics, customer service, and facilities. As Director of Operations at De Rigo REM, he focuses on driving efficiency, ensuring compliance all while overseeing internal facility projects, SAP implementations, and 3PL partnership.

Mirko brings a global, solution-oriented mindset to every challenge. Originally from Italy, he pairs international perspective with hands-on execution. Outside the office, he's an avid coffee enthusiast who firmly believes most problems can be solved with a strong espresso (or two).
see bio
Anna Vardanyan Head of Finance and Financial Planning

A finance professional with experience in financial planning, strategic forecasting, and fiscal management, Anna serves as the Head of Finance and Financial Planning at De Rigo REM. With a proven track record of driving financial efficiency and supporting long-term business growth, she oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy across the organization.

With strong communication skills and a proven ability to serve as a trusted financial partner, Anna will play a key role in aligning financial goals with broader corporate objectives, while driving data-informed decisions that enhance organizational performance.
see bio
David Yazbek Director of Sales

Industry veteran previously worked with Starline Optical, Luxottica and ClearVision. He has experience, assembling sales teams, launching new brands, pioneering managed care programs, providing sales training, and delivering dynamic growth and sales results.