Shiu Shao has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Colibri Group of London.

Shao was previously executive vice president and chief operating officer of OroAmerica, a major supplier to the fine jewelry industry.

In announcing the appointment, Fred Levinger, president and CEO the Colibri Group said, “Shao is well respected in the industry and his arrival adds a depth of expertise and experience, which will clearly strengthen the company.”

In addition, the company has acquired the assets of Gold and Diamond Merchants, a major fine jewelry supplier to independent jewelers.

“The GDM Asset purchase, when combined with our current infrastructure, is consistent with our business model to become an increasingly important supplier to the jewelry trade,” Levinger said. “GDM’s marketing program built a substantial business with independents, which we will attempt to build upon.”

JCK