Swiss luxury watchmaker Maurice Lacroix has named Fran Pennella as director of marketing and public relations of its North American operations. Pannella, a trade show industry veteran, will report directly to Randi Shinske, president and chief executive officer of the North American operations, and is responsible for all marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, and brand building strategies.

“The brand’s new vision and strategies will be supported and fueled by Fran’s professionalism, experience, energy, and outstanding work ethic,” said Sinski. “Her wealth of promoting, branding and partnership experience will be critical in making an impact and supporting our growth and future success for Maurice Lacroix North America.”

Pennella brings nearly 10 years of marketing experience to Maurice Lacroix, including seven years as the director of marketing and portfolio planning for JCK Events. While with JCK, she provided strategic direction, planning and implementation of integrated marketing, public relations, and special event efforts for The JCK Show ~ Las Vegas; LUXURY by JCK, and Swiss Watch by JCK. She also was previously director of sales and marketing at the designer firm Rotenier Ltd. and was a consultant to several other fine jewelry designers.

Pennella is a member of the national board of directors of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and chairs its annual conference, ‘Women In The Know’.

Maurice Lacroix is one of the few independent Swiss watch manufacturers. Since 1975, its watches have been manufactured in its state-of-the-art workshops in Saignelégier, Switzerland. They are sold by 3,300 selected retailers in over 60 countries.

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