Francoise Izaute has been appointed the new managing director of the Platinum Guild International Italia. She replaces Wilma Vigano, who headed the Italian office of PGI since its inception 16 years ago until her retirement at the end of 2002. Vigano will continue to work with PGI on a consultant basis.

Izaute’s career in the jewelry industry spans three countries: France, Italy, and the United States. She helped spearhead the development of Cartier’s jewelry outlets, and spent nine years as the head of the Diamond Promotion Centre in Milan. She also held the position of marketing manager at the Italian firm Pasquale Bruni, and most recently has served as a consultant to such clients as Lazare Kaplan International, De Beers/LVMH, and Rosy Blue International and others.

JCK