Helzberg CEO Beryl Raff to Retire
Chief Financial Officer Brad Hampton will take over as the retailer’s new CEO.

Raff will step down as of July 1.
Current Helzberg Chief Financial Officer Brad Hampton will succeed her. He will also continue in his role as CFO until the retailer finds a replacement.
A jewelry industry veteran who has held top roles at Macy’s, Zale and J.C. Penney, Raff has spent the last 13 years with Helzberg, joining the company in 2009.
“I’ll never forget the day I was asked to lead Helzberg Diamonds. I couldn’t wait to get started,” Raff said.
“Fast-forward 13 years, it’s been an honor to be on this incredible journey with the talented people at Helzberg, and to serve among the exceptional leaders of Berkshire Hathaway.”
Raff is the longest serving non-family CEO in the company’s history and helped the retailer exceed its performance goals throughout her tenure, Helzberg said.
“I’ll miss everything about leading this amazing brand, but I’m ready to start a new chapter.”

Warren Buffett, CEO of Helzberg parent company Berkshire Hathaway, shared kind words for Raff’s departure.
“I want to personally thank Beryl for her industry-leading vision and one-of-a-kind contributions to Helzberg Diamonds. She will be missed,” said Buffett.
Barnett Helzberg Jr., former chairman, CEO, and founding family member of Helzberg Diamonds, reflected on Beryl’s early days with the company.
“When Beryl arrived in Kansas City, it wasn’t long before she called [my wife] Shirley and me and asked us to re-engage with the company’s culture,” he said.
“She valued the people and brought back the heart and family-feeling culture to the company. Shirley and I are proud not only of what she has achieved but also to call her a treasured friend.”
Raff will continue to serve as non-executive chair at Helzberg. She will also continue serving on the corporate boards of Academy Sports and Outdoors Inc., Helen of Troy Limited and the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.
Helzberg announced additional changes to its executive team.
Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Julie Yoakum has been named president and CMO. Bruce Pryor, senior vice president of e-commerce, will report to Yoakum.
Mitch Maggart will take on the role of executive vice president—chief operations and real estate officer.
Ellen Junger, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, will report to soon-to-be CEO Hampton.
The Latest

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.

The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.


Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.