Black & Lizars names new MD

Black & Lizars, one of Scotland’s largest independently-owned optometrists, has appointed a leading UK health care business professional as its new managing director to lead the company to its next stage.

The firm has secured the services of Michelle Le Prevost, who the firm says brings “an outstanding track record in the eye care, dental care and pharmacy sectors” having held senior positions in some of the UK’s most recognisable companies.

She succeeds Geraldine Wood, who has left the company to pursue other interests.

The appointment comes at a time when Black & Lizars is undergoing one of the most successful periods of its 185-year history.

The Glasgow-based company - which has 24 practices in Scotland and one in Belfast - has recently posted significantly increased sales and profits.

Ms Le Prevost, who takes up her post this month, said: “Black & Lizars is a dynamic company which has a proud past and an exciting future. It leads the field in introducing the latest technology to provide the best possible levels of service.

“The company has an excellent senior team whom I am delighted to be joining and I look forward to taking the company to new success, continued growth and even more outstanding patient care.”

Ms Le Prevost joins Black & Lizars from Oasis Dental Care, a leading provider of NHS and private care with more than 300 practices, where she was Mergers and Acquisitions Manager responsible for key business targets and board level financial reporting.

Previously, she was Regional Business Development Manager at LloydsPharmacy, a leading UK business with more than 1600 pharmacies and 17,000 staff. She was responsible for business development in around 300 stores in the Northern region.

Prior to that, Ms Le Prevost was Senior Business Development Manager and then Head of Project Management at Specsavers.

John Hare, chairman of Black & Lizars, said: “We are delighted to have been able to appoint someone of Michelle’s undoubted capabilities and experience at senior levels in major companies.

“She will bring a great depth of knowledge and valuable key skills to the post at a very exciting time in Black & Lizars’ long journey, and everyone in the team would like to offer her a very warm welcome.”