Company veterans John Jackson and Mark Motes have departed
The Smyth family has taken over Smyth Jewelers, the Timonium, Md.–based three-store jewelry chain, the company confirmed.
Cousins Tom Smyth, Bob Smyth, and Leonard “Buzz” Getschel, all grandsons of founder Albert Smyth, will now be co-presidents.
“For the last five to eight years, the family played a less active role,” Tom Smyth tells JCK. “We didn’t leave, we just sort of took a step back. I think we all kind of missed it. We love this business. We’re enjoying being back. There is a fabric in the business, and each of us brings something to it.”
As part of the reshuffling, chief operating officer Mark Motes and vice president of operations John Jackson, who have been running the company on a day-to-day basis for the last decade, have departed. Together, they have a combined total of 35 years with the company.
“They were valuable assets and we wish them success,” says Tom Smyth. “They may have retired from here but they will still be active in the industry.”
The company recently appointed Robert Yanega, a 13-year company veteran, to chief financial officer. Yanega is the son-in-law of Buzz Getschel, making him the fourth generation of the family to work in the business. In addition, Getschel’s son Karl works at the company.
Smyth has been slimming down lately. It has sold its 11 Pandora franchises and closed down spin-off stores devoted to gold, rings, and diamonds. In 2014, it gave up management of Bailey Banks & Biddle.
(Photo courtesy of Smyth Jewelers)
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