Optician Susanne looks to the future as she retires after 32 years with Specsavers
A local opticians is saying goodbye to a popular store director and partner after 32 years with Specsavers and 15 years at the Stirling store.
Susanne Akil has stepped down from her role as retail director at the Murray Place store to spend more time at home and with family.
Susanne started at Specsavers Stirling in September 2005 following previous roles at Livingston and the Trongate store in Glasgow. Before retiring, she was also divisional chairperson for Specsavers Scotland and a director for the Go Forth Business Improvement District.
Current partner and ophthalmic director Julie Pritchard and the team have now welcomed Pauline Skea, who will take on the role of retail director. Pauline returns to Specsavers having previously begun her career in 1995 in the Hamilton Specsavers store.
Pauline worked her way up the ladder from optical assistant to director in the South Lanarkshire store before leaving and returning to Specsavers as a Home Visits director in Edinburgh.
Susanne says: “I’m very emotional to be leaving the brilliant Stirling team but I have loved my time as retail director at the store. Working alongside Julie has been a pleasure and seeing the transformation of the store following the many investments and upgrades makes me really proud.
“I didn’t expect to retire this soon but the time is right and I’m looking forward to spending time with my growing family. I’m leaving the store and team in the very capable hands of Pauline, who I have known for a long time, I am certain she will be a fantastic asset and lead the team in a new direction together with Julie.”