IndependentsMar 19, 2024
Jade Trau Makes 2 Senior HiresMajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
New David Yurman Chief Financial Officer Chris Clipper, left, and Chief People Officer Robert Lepere
New York—David Yurman has announced Chris Clipper as its new chief financial officer and Robert Lepere as chief people officer.
“They are well-respected leaders, and their combined expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow and innovate,” said Evan Yurman, the company’s president and chief creative officer.
In his new position, Clipper will oversee the company’s financial strategy and operations, reporting directly to Evan Yurman.
“I look forward to collaborating with Evan to drive financial growth and advance our strategic agenda by executing against key initiatives, said Clipper.
“David Yurman is not only a preeminent designer-led business, but the founders have also continuously found a way to bring a freshness and energy to the industry that I’m incredibly proud to join.”
Clipper brings over 25 years of experience with him.
Starting in investment banking, he went on to hold leadership roles as CFO of Ralph Lauren North America, Nike North America, and Warner Media.
Previously, Maria DeMatos held the title of CFO at David Yurman.
Related stories will be right here …
“They are well-respected leaders, and their combined expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow and innovate,” said Evan Yurman, the company’s president and chief creative officer.
In his new position, Clipper will oversee the company’s financial strategy and operations, reporting directly to Evan Yurman.
“I look forward to collaborating with Evan to drive financial growth and advance our strategic agenda by executing against key initiatives, said Clipper.
“David Yurman is not only a preeminent designer-led business, but the founders have also continuously found a way to bring a freshness and energy to the industry that I’m incredibly proud to join.”
Clipper brings over 25 years of experience with him.
Starting in investment banking, he went on to hold leadership roles as CFO of Ralph Lauren North America, Nike North America, and Warner Media.
Previously, Maria DeMatos held the title of CFO at David Yurman.
As chief people officer, Lepere will oversee all aspects of the company’s people and culture group, including talent acquisition, learning and development, and HR.
He will report to Emily Yueh, the chief administrative officer.
She originally held the CPO position, as the first hire after Evan Yurman became president in 2021.
“I’m excited to step into the role of chief people officer and work alongside Evan and Emily to further David Yurman’s mission of becoming a destination employer where our people are considered the heartbeat of our business’ success,” said Lepere.
“I am committed to fostering an environment where our team members are inspired to achieve excellence, continue to amaze our clients, and feel valued.”
Lepere has over 25 years of experience in the retail human resources world.
He served as chief people officer at Casper and Fullbeauty Brands, and held leadership roles at Ascena Retail Group and Gap Inc.
MajorsMar 12, 2024
Steve Webb Named EVP of The Gordon Company
GradingMar 07, 2024
GIA Appoints New General CounselMore on Majors
The Latest
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las VegasFollowing visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minster sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ CouplesThe “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education ConferenceThe one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias GabrielThe foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEOThe brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are … Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2MThe rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
