Transitions Optical appoints new SA and Sub-Saharan Africa Business Director

John Schubach joins the Transitions Optical EMEA team as Business Director for the South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa regions effective from 1 December 2010.

In his role as Business Director, Schubach will be responsible for driving business growth by developing and implementing local strategies to achieve sales and financial targets within South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. He will also actively lead the region in defining its commercial strategy as well as developing and managing regional teams to optimise growth within these areas.

With his optical industry expertise and extensive insight into local markets, this strategic move will ensure that Transitions Optical EMEA is better positioned to achieve its aggressive growth and profitability targets in these growing, complex and challenging markets.

Schubach comes to Transitions Optical with over 18 years’ experience in the optical industry. In 1995 he co-founded two optical stores, namely Vision Optometrists, in Cresta and Zambezi in Pretoria. As co-owner and CEO of these stores, Schubach was responsible for managing the business’ overall strategy, developing the brand as well as hands-on, day-to-day operations of the business. Since December 2008, Schubach has been the vice-president of the South African Optometric Association (SAOA).


Schubach holds an MBA and is also a qualified optometrist.

Moving forward, Schubach will work with assigned Transitions Optical Business Managers to continue to strengthen the brand’s partnership with industry professionals, ensure exceptional service and help foster mutual success for all parties involved.