Kevin Reilly Retires After 20 Years at Platinum Guild International

By Sam Cooley | July 29, 2026

If you’ve attended a platinum seminar in the last two decades, there’s a fair chance Kevin Reilly had a role in developing the training.

The longtime proponent of platinum jewelry has retired as senior vice president of Platinum Guild International USA (PGI USA), ending a 20-year run with the organization and 39 years in the trade. He left at the end of June. PGI USA announced the departure July 28.

Reilly left an indelible mark on the platinum industry, and his colleagues at PGI USA credited his leadership in brand building, marketing, and education.

Prior to his tenure at PGI USA, Reilly started his career working in Macy’s Executive Training Program before accepting senior roles at Lazare Kaplan International and Tache USA.

Reilly’s mission when he joined in 2006 was to promote platinum to American jewelers and forge partnerships across every level of the supply chain. In 2022, he was promoted to senior vice president. Reilly is known for his pioneering platinum education development at GIA, Pratt Institute, and numerous design schools across the country.

According to PGI USA, thousands of retail sales associates have attended seminars Reilly held throughout his career. These educational pursuits earned him a Telly Award for excellence in video production, for a series produced with Elias World Media.

He steps away at an unusual moment for the platinum industry. The precious white metal rose to extraordinary highs in 2025 and traded above $2,000 an ounce for months this year before falling back down to its current price of $1,620.

Reilly said in a statement that he is enjoying the summer off before considering consulting work in jewelry and special event production. He has an enduring involvement with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Committee, where he has served for 48 years.

“Creating magical moments for millions of people, whether through jewelry or through great events,” Reilly said in a statement, “has always been my passion.”

Reilly credited PGI USA president Jenny Luker as a dear friend and mentor during his time at the organization. “She believed in me, opened doors I never thought possible and changed the course of my career.”

Founded in the 1970s, PGI is an organization dedicated to the promotion of platinum to consumers and the jewelry trade.

Luker said the group will miss Reilly’s leadership and daily presence: “We are grateful for his many years of dedication and the impact and legacy he leaves behind.”