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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
