SPY is saddened to announce that former CEO Seth Hamot passed away on March 22, 2018, after an eighteen-month battle against lymphoma.
Seth was chairman of SPY’s board of directors and served as CEO from 2015 until late 2017 when he stepped down to focus on his family, health, and business ventures close to his home in Boston.
Seth left an indelible mark on SPY and was the architect of its 2016 fiscal restructuring, which paved the way for the company to achieve several operational and financial milestones during the last two years. Seth was a devoted husband, father, son, and friend to many, known for his intellectual curiosity and generous nature.
In November 2017, Fir Geenen, a longtime friend and business partner of Seth’s and an active member of SPY’s board of directors since 2011, became SPY’s CEO. Fir had been collaborating with Seth for more than a year in anticipation of Seth quietly stepping down from his CEO role, ensuring that SPY would maintain its positive course in the future.
A San Diego-area resident for more than 25 years, Fir brings to SPY an extensive background in leadership, consumer insights, and executive management garnered from his experience across a variety of industries.
“The entire SPY family was incredibly saddened to learn of Seth’s passing. In addition to a remarkable mind for business, Seth was a terrific partner, generous mentor and selfless friend to many at SPY. Seth left SPY a better place than he found it and it goes without saying that he will be missed,” commented Geenen.
In lieu of flowers, the Hamot family has asked that well-wishers looking to make memorial donations do so by supporting The Equal Justice Initiative, 122 Commerce St., Montgomery, AL 36104, or The Marshall Project, 156 W. 56th St., Suite 701, New York, NY 10019.
About SPY:
Established in 1994, SPY is an independent Southern California-based eyewear company that delivers the best lens experience in styles that fit your life. We take a playful approach to everything we create, which means we’ve got frames to match every mood or moment, wherever your day takes you—from sunglasses and goggles to prescription styles. Our patented Happy Lens is the only color and contrast enhancing lens technology that preserves the natural therapeutic effects of sunlight in addition to providing visual performance enhancements, comfort, and protection. More information on SPY can be found online at spyoptic.com, instagram.com/spyoptic, twitter.com/spyoptic and facebook.com/spyoptic.
