Dollond & Aitchison poaches new chief from main rival

Dollond & Aitchison has poached Des Taylor, marketing director of its rival the Vision Express chain, to be its new commercial director.

Dollond & Aitchison has poached Des Taylor, marketing director of its rival the Vision Express chain, to be its new commercial director.

Taylor will be responsible for the overall direction of the optician’s marketing and product development. He will report to D&A chief executive Russell Hardy.

He has worked for Vision Express for the past six years, most recently overseeing the roll-out of new-look Vision Express stores. The group’s first concept store in London is due to open on November 1.

Taylor worked for D&A as product and marketing director in the early Nineties.

He began his career in optics nearly 30 years ago as a dispensing optician and has worked for various optical and healthcare organisations, including George Davis Opticians and Intercare.

He says: “I believe there is a fantastic opportunity for Dollond & Aitchison in this country – it is well-positioned for success and is a well-managed business. There have been many exciting changes since I was last with the company and I am looking forward to working with a great team and a great brand.”

Birmingham-based D&A has a 250-year history and has recently moved its head office to £2m purpose-built premises in Birmingham’s Aston Waterlinks Park.