ABB OPTICAL GROUP, one of the nation’s leading distributors of optical products, has announced that Steve Heft has joined the company as senior vice president of operations.

In his new position, Heft will provide strategic and tactical direction for ABB OPTICAL GROUP’s distribution centers by leveraging his extensive experience and leadership to achieve ABB’s goals. He will streamline operations for enhanced profitability, productivity and efficiency. Focused on a customer-centric approach, Heft will align all aspects of operations to deliver a best-in-class customer experience.

“Steve brings strong leadership skills, exceptional strategic vision and an impressive track record of operational excellence to ABB,” said ABBOPTICAL GROUP President Brad Weinbrum. “His focus on customer satisfaction and results-focused methodology aligns with our core values. We are thrilled to have him as part of our executive team.”

With more than 20 years of experience in supply chain and operational leadership, Heft began his career in the United States Marine Corps where he led both infantry and logistics organizations, achieving the rank of major. Prior to joining ABB OPTICAL GROUP, Heft directed procurement, distribution, manufacturing, engineering, quality and design organizations in Europe, Latin America and North America. He has successfully led teams in excess of 1,300 associates while driving significant improvements through solid leadership, process innovation and people development with a consistent focus on the customer.

Heft holds a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Auburn University. He is based inthe ABB OPTICAL GROUP office in Coral Springs, Fla. and is a resident of Boca Raton.

About ABB OPTICAL GROUP:

ABB OPTICAL GROUP supplies more than 30,000 eye care professionals across the U.S. with brand name contact lenses, fully customizable gas permeable and custom specialty soft contact lenses, stock ophthalmic lenses, and a fully automated, full service digital lens laboratory. The company also offers practice building services such as pricing strategy tools, business reviews, annual supply staff training and e-commerce solutions, including patient ordering websites yourlens.com and primaryecp.com. For additional information, visit abboptical.com.