MajorsFeb 27, 2024
Nikia Levesque Joins WJA Board as Foundation VPMajorsFeb 29, 2024
Signet Appoints Former Cracker Barrel CEO to Board
Sandra Cochran has more than 25 years of retail experience.
Sandra Cochran, the former CEO of Cracker Barrel, has been appointed to Signet Jewelers’ board of directors.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers has named Sandra Cochran, the former CEO of Cracker Barrel, to its board of directors.
Cochran, who has more than 25 years of retail experience, joined the restaurant chain in 2009 as its chief financial officer and was named president and chief operating officer in 2010.
She led the chain as its CEO from September 2011 through November 2023 and served as the company’s executive chair until Feb. 22 of this year.
Prior to her time at Cracker Barrel, she was the CEO of Books-A-Million, Inc. from 2004 to 2009.
She currently also serves on the board of Lowe's Companies, Inc and formerly was on the boards of Cracker Barrel and Dollar General Corporation.
Related stories will be right here …
Cochran, who has more than 25 years of retail experience, joined the restaurant chain in 2009 as its chief financial officer and was named president and chief operating officer in 2010.
She led the chain as its CEO from September 2011 through November 2023 and served as the company’s executive chair until Feb. 22 of this year.
Prior to her time at Cracker Barrel, she was the CEO of Books-A-Million, Inc. from 2004 to 2009.
She currently also serves on the board of Lowe's Companies, Inc and formerly was on the boards of Cracker Barrel and Dollar General Corporation.
"Sandy's rich background in retail, coupled with her strong executive leadership skills and deep financial expertise, will make her an incredibly valuable member of the Signet board of directors," said Board Chairman H. Todd Stitzer.
“She embodies the combination of skills we need to continue to build the Signet of the future. I'm thrilled to welcome Sandy to the board and believe that her experience in critical areas like marketing, risk management and strategic planning will help to further support Signet's transformation, led by CEO Gina Drosos.”
Cochran shared her excitement about joining the jeweler’s board.
"I'm delighted to join the Signet Board and see so much overlap between the work that I led at Cracker Barrel and the focus that Signet has on investing in the customer experience and leveraging loyalty, technology and personalization to help drive the business," said Cochran.
"I look forward to helping Signet execute on its strategic priorities while also continuing to ‘Inspire Love’ around the world."
Signet’s board also appointed Cochran as a member of its Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee.
Her appointment will temporarily increase the size of the board from 12 to 13 members, 12 of whom are independent, as Signet transitions to tenure limitations being reached on the board under the company’s Director Tenure Policy, the company said.
More on Majors
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
