Damon Gross, 1916 Company’s Retail President, Is Stepping Down

By Rob Bates | February 03, 2026

Damon Gross, president of retail for the 1916 Company, will leave the watch and jewelry chain at the end of May.

At that time, Melanie Chud (pictured), 1916’s current vice president of retail, and head of its East Coast division, will inherit Gross’ title of retail president. In that role, she will oversee the company’s boutiques and stores, but not its collector’s lounges, which specialize in pre-owned timepieces and fall under the purview of George Mayer, 1916’s president of e-commerce, international, and pre-owned watches.

Kathy Dobos will continue to lead 1916’s West Coast retail division as vice president of stores.

Gross has served as the company’s retail president since it was formed in 2023. Before that, he was CEO of Colorado-based Hyde Park Jewelers, one of the first stores to become part of 1916.

In a statement, the company called Gross’ departure “planned and thoughtful” and said its retail strategies will not change. John Shmerler remains the 1916 Company’s global CEO, a position he’s held since March 2024.

A new 1916 showroom is slated to open in Manhattan Beach, Calif., next week. With that, the 1916 Company will number 25 locations, including eight multibrand stores, all of which now bear the 1916 name; nine brand boutiques; six collectors’ lounges; and a headquarters and service center in Bala Cynwyd, Pa.