The mandate to eliminate poor vision globally by 2050 serves as the cornerstone of Hubert Sagnières' professional legacy. As the former chief executive officer of Essilor International, he transitioned the corporation from a traditional lens manufacturer into a comprehensive vision care leader, overseeing extensive international expansion while institutionalizing large-scale philanthropic commitments across emerging markets and underserved populations.
Early Career and Industrial Roots
Born in 1955 in Vienne, France, Sagnières pursued his education at the Institut industriel du Nord, École Centrale de Lille, and INSEAD. His early professional path began in 1980 in Tahiti, where he managed Plastiserd LLC. Following roles as assistant general manager of Europe at Valois in 1986 and chief executive officer of Homespace in 1988, he joined Essilor in 1989 to direct international marketing.
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Sagnières moved to Montreal in 1991 to lead Essilor Canada, subsequently heading the company's American operations by 1998. Appointed as chief operating officer in 2008, he became chief executive officer of Essilor International on 1 January 2010. By 2012, he assumed the role of chairman and CEO, a position he held through the 2018 merger with Luxottica, where he became executive vice-chairman.
Global Strategy and Philanthropy
Under his tenure, Essilor diversified into sunglasses and online sales while expanding its footprint in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In 2007, he founded the Essilor Vision Foundation to improve eye health in schools. He later launched the Vision For Life programme and the Eye Mitra initiative in India to train local primary vision care providers in remote regions.
Exploration and Authorship
Outside of business, Sagnières is an active explorer who has conducted over twenty-five Arctic expeditions, often travelling on skis. He produces illustrated historical works under his editorial concept, 'Their Images and Their Words.' His book 'Daring French Explorations' was published in 2023, followed by 'For Glory, not Gold' in 2025. All author royalties from these projects are donated to humanitarian and exploration-focused organizations.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Vienne, France
- Education: Institut industriel du Nord, École Centrale de Lille, INSEAD
- Chief Executive Officer, Essilor International: 2010–2018
- Nationalities: France, Canada
- Primary Professional Field: Optical lenses and vision care
- Exploration Experience: Over 25 Arctic expeditions
- 2023 Publication: Daring French Explorations
- 2025 Publication: For Glory, not Gold
Questions readers ask
What was the main goal of the Vision For Life programme?
It was launched to provide funding to associations dedicated to visual health, ultimately committing 30 million euros initially, with an additional 19 million euros allocated in 2018.
Where does Sagnières donate his book royalties?
He donates all royalties from his historical works to humanitarian organizations and initiatives supporting exploration, such as Karuna-Shechen and La Guilde.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Essilor
- Educated at Institut industriel du Nord
