LAGOS has announced two promotions: Midwest/Southwest account executive Meg Gitleshas been promoted to the position of director of independent accounts. Prior to joining LAGOS in 2003, Gitles held the position of account executive at Carolee Designs Inc. where she managed retail sales and distribution of product to major department store accounts. LAGOS also has promoted Janice Wright Waitkus to the position of director of merchandising. She was formerly national account executive for Saks Fifth Avenue and Finlay. Prior to joining LAGOS in 2003, she was executive merchandise manager of Neiman Marcus King of Prussia.

Niruhas announced Jacek Syvek as vice president of product development.

Wolf Designs has appointed Alan Krollas director of business development for the TOLA region and Mississippi and New Mexico. Prior to joining Wolf Designs Kroll spent more than 16 years in sales, marketing, and account management positions representing several leading manufacturers, including the Movado Group and Citizen Watch Company of America.

Larry Barkley has joined international luxury goods retailer Georg Jensen to direct its operations in the United States. In addition to overseeing the Georg Jensen boutiques, Barkley will lead the reopening of the company’s Chicago location and spearhead a national retail expansion effort. Barkley was formerly the national retail director at Bulgari where he managed the company’s two flagship stores and 10 retail boutiques. Prior to Bulgari, he held positions with Saks Fifth Avenue and several other national retailers.

Jewelers Mutual has hired Donna Syverson as director of personal lines marketing. Syverson has more than 18 years of experience in marketing and will focus on strengthening relationships with jewelers. Syverson began her working career in a jewelry store and later ran her own jewelry business. She most recently was vice president of marketing at Capital Credit Union in Kimberly, Wis.

Daniel M. Degner has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing at Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. He leads the company’s marketing efforts and its nationwide sales force. Degner joined the company’s agency, JMI Insurance Services, as director of agency sales and operations in May 2005. He will continue in this role in addition to his new responsibilities. Prior to working for Jewelers Mutual, Degner had an 11-year career with Thrivent Financial, a national fraternal benefits society, most recently as director of enterprise recruitment for its sales force.

Fruchtman Marketing has hired Jonathan Downingas vice president, marketing communications, and Megan Meinerdingas vice president, client services. Prior to joining Fruchtman Marketing, Downing spent four years as managing director of Innis Maggiore Group, Canton, Ohio. Downing also worked for Grizzard Communications and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmy Awards).
Prior to rejoining Fruchtman Marketing, Meinerding spent nearly six years as director of marketing communications for Innis Maggiore, leading all agency account service representatives. Before that, Meinerding worked at Caler and Company Inc., a boutique marketing firm located in Akron, Ohio. Meinerding began her career in advertising at Fruchtman Marketing in 1998.