Michael Anthony Jewelers, Inc., Mt. Vernon, New York, named Claudia Hollingsworth president of the company, the company said in a statement. The appointment is effective immediately.

Hollingsworth, 41, recently resigned as chief customer officer of M.Z. Berger & Co., Inc., a major distributor of watches under the names of Elgin, Gruen and Benrus. Previously she was with OroAmerica, a large gold jewelry manufacturer, where she served for thirteen years in various capacities. Hollingsworth remains a director of Michael Anthony Jewelers, a position she has held since November 2001.

Michael Paolercio, chief executive officer said in the statement, “Claudia is a well-know and highly regarded merchandising and marketing expert with a long and successful track record in the gold jewelry industry. We were happy to have her join us as a Board member last November and we are even more excited today by her decision to join us on a full-time basis.”

Anthony Paolercio, chief operating officer added, “Having Claudia join our organization is a tremendous increase to our talent pool and will bring Michael Anthony to the next level of growth and profitability.”

Michael Anthony Jewelers, Inc. is a leading designer, marketer and manufacturer of affordable fine jewelry, whose customers include jewelry chain stores, discount stores, department stores, television shopping networks, catalogue retailers, and wholesalers.

JCK