Seasoned industry leader to accelerate growth and innovation at Europa
Europa, a leading designer and manufacturer of premium independent eyewear, proudly announces the appointment of Megan Molony as its new chief executive officer, effective June 16. Molony will oversee the full Europa platform, including Europa Eyewear and eyebobs, as well as future acquisitions, while working closely with the board of directors to set and execute the company’s long-term strategic vision. Molony will be supported in day-to-day operations by Scott Shapiro, Europa’s former CEO, who will transition to executive director of industry relations, and Jerry Wolowicz, Europa’s president.
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Newly Appointed Europa Eyewear Chief Executive Officer Megan Molony
This transition marks a significant milestone for Europa, which has grown from a family-run business into a respected platform of eyewear brands. Founded by Alan and Cynthia Shapiro in 1977 and led by Scott Shapiro since 2010, Europa has become a market-leading independent eyewear company. Europa has launched innovative brands like STATE Optical and established a state-of-the-art eyewear manufacturing facility in Chicago, IL, where it also produces the company’s American Optical brand of sunglasses and ophthalmic frames. In 2023, Europa partnered with Blue Point Capital Partners with the vision of building a more dynamic portfolio of independent eyewear brands —beginning with the acquisition of eyebobs shortly thereafter.
“Megan is a dynamic and thoughtful leader whose depth of experience, industry relationships, and strategic mindset will drive meaningful progress for Europa,” said Scott Shapiro. “I’m excited to support Megan and together write the next chapter of Europa. The future of Europa is extremely bright.”
Molony brings nearly 30 years of optical industry experience to Europa, with a strong track record in merchandising, customer experience, managed care, operations, and innovation. Most recently, she served as chief merchandising and managed vision care officer at National Vision, Inc., and has held key leadership roles at Essilor of America and Luxottica North America, gaining deep expertise across both retail and wholesale environments.
“I’m honored to join Europa at such a pivotal time,” said Megan Molony. “This is a company with a strong and very successful legacy, meaningful values, and a deep commitment to its customers and employees. I’m excited to partner with this exceptional team and build on that foundation to shape the next phase of growth for Europa’s brands, partners, and people.”
Molony’s appointment reflects the company’s focus on scaling its reach and impact while staying true to its core.
“Megan brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational rigor, and authentic leadership,” said Holly Rush, executive chair of Europa’s board of directors. “Her experience in delivering results, building strong teams, and leading through complexity makes her the ideal person to steward the next chapter of our growth, and we are all incredibly proud to have her on board.”
Europa is one of the largest independent designers and manufacturers of eyewear in the United States, offering a diverse portfolio of 11 independent brands, including American Optical and STATE, which are manufactured in the company’s Chicago factory. With a national sales team of dedicated professionals, the company consistently ranks as a preferred partner to eyecare professionals and is known for exceptional service. In 2023, Europa partnered with Blue Point Capital Partners, entering a new stage of growth, and subsequently acquired eyebobs, the Minneapolis-based premium reading glass brand, to begin building out its platform of premium eyewear brands.
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Contacts
For more information, contact:
Jordan Loyd | Strategy and M&A
jloyd@europaeye.com