Nancy Robey, a pioneer in creating some of jewelry’s premier events, is stepping down from her role at VNU Expositions to assume the position of chief marketing officer at Collectors Universe, Inc., VNU announced in a statement Thursday.

Lee Arevian, vice president of the VNU Jewelry Group, will assume Robey’s responsibilities.

Before accepting her new role, Robey was group vice president of Global New Business at VNU Expositions Jewelry Group. Robey will continue to serve as a member of the advisory boards of both Couture, which she founded 12 years ago, and the Fine Jewelry CEO Summit, another of her undertakings now entering its second year in 2007.

During her 12 years at VNU, Robey created and expanded luxury and fine jewelry trade show events such as the Couture Jewelry Collection & Conference (including international editions for the European, Latin American, and Middle East markets), Signature Salons, Couture Diamond Leadership Conference, and most recently, the Fine Jewelry CEO Summit.

Robey had responsibility for nine trade shows, including those she created, three JA New York Shows and the Couture extensions into the JA New York Summer and Winter Shows.

Her experience also includes contributions at Platinum Guild International, Tiffany & Co., and NW Ayer Advertising, which was, at the time, engaged by De Beers Consolidated Mines.

“Nancy is a true leader in our industry and highly respected in the fine jewelry marketplace. I am truly fortunate to have had the privilege of working with Nancy during her tenure at VNU and to call her both a colleague and friend,” said John Failla, group president, VNU Expositions. “Nancy’s vision inspired Couture and we will work to keep her vision alive as Couture evolves. We wish her only the best of luck and look forward to continuing to work with her as a member of our advisory boards and through our relationship with Collectors Universe.”

As chief marketing officer at Collectors Universe, Robey will be focusing on the jewelry markets with the company’s diamond authentication and grading service Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) and the Company’s colored gemstone authentication and grading service American Gemological Laboratories.

“I really thrived during the last 12 years, which were a career milestone for me,” Robey said. “I will always be grateful for the many professional growth opportunities VNU has given me. But for me it is all about the relationships, and I will treasure the many enriching relationships not only at VNU but in our industry that I’ve made during that time. I look forward to supporting the continued growth and evolution of the VNU shows by serving on their advisory councils.”

JCK