Schwarzschild Jewelers Inc. has decided to promote internally rather than tap someone from outside the company, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.

The venerable Richmond-based chain named a new president- its first female-and promoted two other employees to help run the company.

Barbara “Brad” Kallus, the retailer’s chief financial officer for the past eight years, becomes president in about a month.

She will replace David R. Norman, who leaves in late July to return to his hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich., with his family to start a company there. He became president in April 2000.

Joining Kallus in helping to run the company will be Wendy Kreuter and Robin Holder.

Kreuter was promoted to director of operations from manager of human resources and watch buyer. Holder, new director of marketing and merchandising, was the gift and tabletop buyer.

“This structure will be good for us for two or three years,” said Montreal businessman Barrie D. Birks, who bought Schwarzschild in 1981.

JCK