Smith Optics is pleased to announce that it has hired Brian Cotsonas as the company’s East Coast regional sales manager. As a result of restructuring its sales department, Smith will also appoint Central and Western regional sales managers.

Coming to Smith with over 11 years in sales, Cotsonas most recently worked as the East Coast sales manager for Eyeking/Hobie Polarized Sunglasses. He also held a position as the national sales director for Gargoyles, Anarchy and Angel Eyewear overseeing 20 reps and 2 regional sales managers. Prior, he worked as an independent sales representative for Oakley for over 7 years as well as O’Neill and Reef Brazil. Based in Jamestown, Rhode Island, Cotsonas is an avid surfer, snowboarder and basketball player and lives with his wife, Stephanie, and 2 year-old daughter Emma. They are expecting their second baby soon.

“We are thrilled to have Brian joining us at Smith,” said Smith’s VP of Sales Blair Clark. “Brian not only has the aptitude to help us but he has the experience as well. Brian knows what it takes to win in the specialty business and that formula starts with earning the trust of both the dealers and the reps.”

Linda Rodney, who has worked at Smith for several years overseeing national sales, will become the Central regional sales manager and will handle a majority of Smith’s national accounts. A West Coast regional sales manager will be announced soon. All three sales managers will report to Blair Clark.