COMINGS AND GOINGS
Jewelry-buying firm Circa has tapped Jennifer Pearson (pictured, inset), a former vice president of marketing for both Assael Inc. and Effy Jewelry, as its new vice president of marketing.
In May, Sarine Technologies CEO Uzi Levami will, after eight years, step down for personal reasons. He will continue as executive director of Sarine. He will be replaced by David Block, the instrument maker’s deputy CEO and chief operating officer.
Two new salesmen have joined the Los Angeles–based Uneek Jewelry: Rick Shultz and Cortland Shopper. Shultz has 30 years’ experience in the jewelry industry. Shopper, who started as a bench jeweler, served for 12 years as director of sales for Gregg Ruth.
Frederic Cumenal, Tiffany & Co.’s CEO since 2015, has resigned. He will be replaced on an interim basis by his predecessor, current chairman Michael J. Kowalski. Design director Francesca Amfitheatrof has also stepped down. Designer Reed Krakoff, previously president and executive creative director of Coach, will take on the new role of chief artistic officer.
Frederick Goldman has hired Mike Giannattasio (pictured), former president and CEO of Montblanc North America, as its new senior vice president of sales. Giannattasio will lead sales for the Goldman luxury group, which encompasses the Scott Kay and Karl Lagerfeld brands.
Dominion Diamond Corp. CEO Brendan Bell is stepping down after a little over two years in the job for personal reasons. The company is searching for a successor.
Steve Larkin, chief revenue officer of Charles & Colvard since 2013, has left the moissanite manufacturer, the company said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
Samuels Jewelers chief financial officer Robert Herman and senior vice president of merchandising David Pillow have left the company. Pillow is joining an Austin, Texas–based online jeweler.
Chabi Nouri (pictured), was appointed new CEO of Richemont-owned watch brand Piaget, replacing longtime brand veteran Philippe Léopold-Metzger. She has been Piaget’s international managing director of sales and marketing since 2016.
Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer has resigned and will be replaced by John Furner. Furner was formerly the company’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.
Signet Jewelers has appointed Sebastian Hobbs, managing director of the U.K. division, to the new position of president and chief customer officer. George Murray, current chief merchandising and marketing officer, is now chief retail insights and strategy officer, another new post. Veterans Ed Hrabak, chief operating officer, and Tryna Kochanek, executive VP of North American store operations, are both retiring. Bryan Morgan, executive VP for supply chain management and repair, will succeed Hrabak.
Omaha, Neb.–based The Edge Retail Academy has hired Kevin Sweeney as business adviser. Sweeney previously worked at Hearts On Fire and Shreve, Crump & Low. The company also promoted Sherry Smith to director of business development and Becka Johnson Kibby (pictured) to director of operations.
Jean-Claude Biver is taking over as interim CEO of watch brand Zenith, replacing Aldo Magada. Biver heads the watch division of LVMH, which owns Zenith.
Guillaume Cerutti has been appointed CEO of Christie’s. He replaces Patricia Barbizet, who has held the post since 2014. Barbizet will serve as board vice chairman.
Manuel Emch, CEO of Geneva-based watchmaker RJ-Romain Jerome since January 2010, is stepping down to join the company’s board of directors.
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HONORED
Hearts On Fire named three-store chain James & Sons, which has locations in Indiana and Illinois, its 2016 Global Retailer of the Year. The Rookie of the Year award went to The Diamond Galleria in Evansville, Ind.; the Bridal Retailer of the Year is The Wedding Ring Shop in Honolulu; the Increased Sell-Through Retailer of the Year award went to Koser Jewelers in Mount Joy, Pa.; and the Brand Advocate Retailer of the Year is MG Joyeros in Panama City.
FINANCIAL
Fashion jewelry brand Kendra Scott Design has received a minority investment from Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based investment firm.
COMPANIES
Charm giant Pandora has acquired 18 franchise stores that have been run by Danvers, Mass.–based Laws Management. The stores are located in New England (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire) and Northern California.
REMEMBERED
Walter Lange (pictured), who in his 60s rebuilt the then–long-shuttered watch brand A. Lange & Söhne, died Jan. 17 in Germany. He was 92.
Clyde Duneier, a prominent designer and manufacturer who helped found the organization that later became Jewelers for Children, died Dec. 18. He was 88.
On Dec. 23, J. & S.S. DeYoung salesman Aster J. Dye died in Brockton, Mass. He was 73.