Leadership Team

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Rodney Adam Suliteanu Chairman

In 1961, Rodney founded Western Optical, a Canadian optical distribution company. 50 years later, Western Optical has evolved into WestGroupe, with 2 frame divisions that distribute eyewear in Canada as well as exporting their proprietary brands to over 40 countries around the globe. Over the years, Rodney has grown his business, through hard work and smart business acumen. His strong notion of family, and his loyalty and commitment to his staff and business associates has fostered a corporate philosophy that focuses on our customer commitment to excellent service and exceptional products.

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Michael Suliteanu President

As a second-generation leader in Canada's optical industry, Montreal native and eyewear executive, Michael Suliteanu sits at the helm of his family's 50 year old Montreal-based company, WestGroupe Optical. In 1990, Michael joined the family business, which was founded as Western Optical in 1961 by his father Rod Suliteanu. Over the past 20 years, Michael has worked to learn the business from the ground up, starting as a sales representative in 1990 and moving through the hierarchy to VP sales in 1998. In 2009, he became President, overseeing day-to-day operations of both frame divisions Western Optical and Wescan.

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Michael Debono Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President of Global Sales

Mike started his outstanding optical selling career in 1990. He spent 15 years launching and selling many prominent brands. Mike joined WestGroupe in June 2005 as Canadian National Sales Manager where he oversaw the expansion of the Canadian sales force. He was subsequently promoted to Vice President of North American Sales in March 2010. Mike has been instrumental in the global growth of WestGroupe, which lead to his promotion to Executive Vice-President of Global Sales in 2015. In February 2018, Mike was promoted to Chief Operating Officer where he continues to oversee the sales teams along with the corporate head office.

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Natalie Lacroce VP, Brand & Product Planning

Natalie is a seasoned retail leader with more than 25 years of experience in the optical industry, spanning both wholesale and retail environments. She brings a deep understanding of end-to-end product strategy, category management, and customer-driven innovation. Natalie is known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach. Most recently, Natalie spent 22 years at Loblaw Companies Limited as Category Director, Optical, where she led the development and execution of business strategies to drive profitable growth. She played a critical role in strengthening vendor partnerships to ensure seamless supply chain execution, while simultaneously overseeing the product lifecycle, from concept to commercialization. Her leadership extended across all aspects of merchandising, including private label frame development, and she collaborated cross-functionally to advance strategic priorities in innovation, sustainability, and customer experience. Earlier in her career, Natalie was part of the Product team at Centennial Optical, where she built a strong foundation in product development and discovered her passion for the optical industry.

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Dennis Davis Vice President of Sales - WestGroupe USA

After serving in the US Marine Corps and getting his degree from East Tennessee State University, Dennis began his career in the optical industry in 1990 as a territory sales representative in the United States. Dennis held positions of both National Trainer and Regional Manager before being promoted to Vice President of Sales for the United States in 2004 for a worldwide leading optical company. Dennis has overseen all aspects of a sales organization and in December 2014, he made the exciting move to Vice President of Sales for WestGroupe USA.

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Darin Gooda NORTH AMERICAN SALES MANAGER

Darin has over 18 years of experience in the optical industry, 13 of which have been with WestGroupe. He began his career as a sales representative in Canada, a role he held for 12 years. His strong performance led to a promotion to Western Canada Sales Manager, and with continued success in this role, his position and responsibilities within WestGroupe expanded significantly. In October 2024, he was promoted to North American Sales Manager, where he now oversees all direct sales for the company.

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Alexis Nyiro Director of Product Development and Marketing

After getting her degree in Business Marketing from Concordia University, Alexis joined WestGroupe in 2009 in the product development department. She was subsequently promoted to Manager of Product Development. Alexis has been instrumental in the design and development of WestGroupe's product portfolio and has been an integral part of marketing WestGroupe's brands over the years which led to her promotion to Director of Product Development and Marketing in 2020.

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Wallatta Delvaille Key Account and Export Manager

Wallatta Delvaille joined Westgroupe in 2006, and was promoted to International Customer Service Manager in 2007. With Westgroupe’s brands; Kliik denmark, Fysh and Evatik being distributed in over 40 countries worldwide, her BA in Human Relations and experience in customer service has helped her manage this fast-paced department. With the rapid growth of the business, and successful workflow management, Wally serves as the liaison between the company and the distributors. She has learned that every country has particular needs and that providing quality service is key in developing strong business relationships.

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Mylène Émond Eastern Canada Sales Manager

Mylene has been in the optical industry for the last 15 years on both the retail and wholesale sides of the business. She joined WestGroupe in 2010 as a Sales Representative for the Wescan division in Eastern Quebec. Mylene is a certified Optician, who also holds a degree in Fashion Marketing and has studied business and sales management at the University level. In 2014, Mylene took on the role of Eastern Canada Sales Manager and has recently taken on the role of Eastern Canada Sales Director.

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Craig MckechnieWESTERN CANADA SALES MANAGER

With 24 years of experience in the optical industry, Craig has built a strong reputation for excellence in sales, customer relations, and industry knowledge. Known for his passion for innovation and dedication to customer satisfaction, he is a respected leader and a valuable asset to the team. In 2024, Craig joined WestGroupe as the Western Canadian Sales Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the evolving eyewear market.

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Nicholas DebonoOntario Regional Sales Manager

Nicholas has over 10 years of experience in the optical industry, having started his career with WestGroupe at just 19 years old as a sales representative in Southwestern Ontario. In this role, he consistently grew his territory yearly, ultimately earning Sales Representative of the Year in 2023, WestGroupe’s highest sales achievement. His strong performance and continued success led to his promotion to Ontario Regional Sales Manager in January 2025.

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Heidi Orlando MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – WESTGROUPE USA

Heidi launched her career in sales management more than 20 years ago in the textile industry, where she earned numerous sales awards. She came into the optical industry with a leading optical company in 2010, and her sales contributions resulted in her induction into the President’s Circle. Heidi joined WestGroupe USA in 2015, earning the Sales Rep of the Year award in 2016 for her outstanding sales achievements. In September 2017, Heidi was promoted to the position of Regional Sales Director in the Northeast.

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Christopher Allen South-Eastern Regional Sales Manager - WestGroupe USA

Chris started his optical career in 1993, where he worked as an independent rep for 11 years and earned both Rookie and Sales Rep of the Year distinctions. Over the years, Chris’ path led him to take on different management roles that lead to several Manager of the Year awards. As a seasoned optical professional, Chris understands what it takes to succeed in the industry. In November 2017, Chris joined WestGroupe USA as the Southeast Regional Sales Director.

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Stacey Soltis central regional sales manager – westgroupe usa

Stacey began her optical career in 2006 as an optician and frame buyer. In 2010, she became a sales consultant for a family-owned frame company. She earned the President’s Club award in each of the next 7 years and was promoted to a sales management position in 2019. Most recently Stacey held the title of National Sales Manager and was instrumental in launching the direct sales force initiative for Eyewear Designs LTD. In 2023, Stacey was named one of the top 50 women in the optical industry by the OWA. As the Central Regional Manager with WestGroupe USA, Stacey’s work ethic, industry knowledge, and relationship building ability will help WestGroupe achieve their sales goals.

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Alana ClarkeNORTH-EASTERN REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – WESTGROUPE USA

Alana began her sales career at L’Oréal in 2010, where she earned multiple awards and transitioned into a business hunter role over four years. In 2014, she began her journey in the optical industry as a sales representative with Luxottica, where she was recognized with the prestigious President’s Circle Trip to Italy and later promoted to Manager. After four successful years in that role, Alana became National Sales Manager at Wiley X, a position she held for a year and a half before joining WestGroupe as Northeast Regional Sales Manager in November 2024.

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April PankewiczNorth Central Regional Sales Manager

April is a seasoned sales leader with more than two decades of sales experience. She spent much of her career at Maui Jim Sunglasses building high-performing territories, consistently exceeding sales goals, and is the recipient of multiple President’s Club Awards for her accomplishments. In January 2026, April joined WestGroupe, bringing with her a disciplined, resilient, and competitive leadership style shaped in part by her experience as a former Division I collegiate athlete.