French opthalmic lens manufacturer Essilor International SA (EI.FR) said Tuesday its board has decided to split the roles of chairman and chief executive officer as of Jan. 1 next year and has appointed Hubert Sagnieres as CEO.

Xavier Fontanet, chairman and CEO of Essilor since 1996, will continue as chairman of the board of directors, Essilor said.

Essilor shareholders had voted last May to split the functions of chairman and CEO.

Sagnieres has been chief operating officer of Essilor since August 2008.

-By David Pearson, Dow Jones Newswires; +331 4017 1740, david.pearson@dowjones.com