The summer months are slow for many, making it a great time to sign on new staffers. Here are a few of the latest industry appointments.

Stephen Kudzy joins Maurice Lacroix as the brand’s new national sales manager.

As part of an ongoing expansion of DKSH Luxury & Lifestyle North America Inc., located in Princeton, N.J., Maurice Lacroix has hired Kudzy to serve as its national sales manager. He will oversee brand development and restructuring of the company’s retail network, as well as handle various day-to-day responsibilities. Kudzy previously worked in senior management positions at other watch brands as well as Chanel.

Stephen Kudzy (left) and Hartmut Kraft, president of DKSH Luxury & Lifestyle North America Inc.

Richard “Rick” Mulholland joins Metallix Refining as its precious metals buyer. The Shrewsbury, N.J.-based company has a metals refining facility in Greenville, N.C. In his new role, Mulholland will focus on metals refining in the fine jewelry industry (Metallix refines metals for many different industries) and will apply his longtime marketing and advertising experience (14 years at Novell Design Studio) “facilitate stronger corporate awareness,” he tells JCK.

“I have been familiar with Metallix Refining for several years,” he says, “and a chance to join a modern, technologically advanced corporation and focus strictly on jewelry industry was too good to pass up. Metallix also places high importance on its environmental health and safety practices.”

Dan Griffin has been named the new director of Studio PR, a boutique public relations agency owned by Jim DeMattei. 

Griffin most recently served as a consultant with the GLAAD Media Awards; before that, he enjoyed a long career at Maloney & Fox, a marketing and PR firm also based in New York City. He brings 15 years combined experience in PR and television with him to the agency.

Additionally, Studio PR cofounder and board member Shaye Strager is returning to work at the firm in a limited capacity.  

JCK