Costa Sunglasses announced the addition of John Sanchez as vice president of product development. Sanchez will work closely in transition with Costas current vice president of product development, Ed Moody, who announced his retirement from the company, effective Apr. 1, 2015, after 23 years of service with the brand.

Sanchez most recently held the position as president of Zeal Optics. Prior to that, he garnered more than 23 years of experience in product development, operations, manufacturing management and international sales with eyewear brands including Maui Jim, Serengeti, Bolle, and at Bausch & Lomb with Ray-Ban. He holds a bachelors of science degree in Industrial Engineering/International Business Studies from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, and has completed the Executive Leadership Development Program from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Moody announced his retirement from Costa internally this week. In addition to his current role with the organization, which he has held since 2005, Moody worked as vice president of operations from 1993 to 1997, vice president of sales from 1992 to 1993 and executive vice president from 1997 to 2005. He has played a large role in the companys growth and expansion, and is credited with bringing Costas 580 color enhancing lens technology to market.

Ed may have announced his retirement from Costa, but he will always be part of our family, and a key part of our brands legacy, said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa. John is a worthy candidate to step into Eds role, with an incredible background in our industry. He and Ed will work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition, with our shared commitment to continue building and enhancing the clearest sunglasses on the planet for our customers.

Sanchez joins Costas team based in Daytona Beach, FL.