IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOMajorsJun 20, 2024
Claire’s CEO Ryan Vero Steps Down
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Chris Cramer has been named interim CEO.
Chris Cramer, Claire’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer, has been named interim CEO following the resignation of Ryan Vero. He will continue as CFO and COO in addition to being interim CEO.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—The CEO of Claire’s Holdings LLC has stepped down, the company announced Monday.
Ryan Vero was named head of the accessories chain in 2019, joining Claire’s after serving as president of Party City Retail Group.
The retailer did not give a reason for his departure, which was effective immediately. He also will vacate his position on the company’s board of managers.
During Vero’s tenure, Claire’s worked to expand its reach by partnering with other retailers including Walgreens and Kohl’s.
It overhauled its marketing and gave its piercing business a trendy makeover, all in an attempt to be more appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
Vero also was head of the retailer when it announced plans to go public in late 2021, though it abandoned those plans in July 2023, citing market conditions.
Related stories will be right here …
Ryan Vero was named head of the accessories chain in 2019, joining Claire’s after serving as president of Party City Retail Group.
The retailer did not give a reason for his departure, which was effective immediately. He also will vacate his position on the company’s board of managers.
During Vero’s tenure, Claire’s worked to expand its reach by partnering with other retailers including Walgreens and Kohl’s.
It overhauled its marketing and gave its piercing business a trendy makeover, all in an attempt to be more appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
Vero also was head of the retailer when it announced plans to go public in late 2021, though it abandoned those plans in July 2023, citing market conditions.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Ryan for his service to Claire’s,” said Samantha Algaze, chair of Claire’s board of managers.
“As we look ahead, Claire’s is poised to build on its position as a powerful, global fashion brand and a true destination for today’s consumer.”
Claire’s named Chris Cramer as interim CEO, effective immediately.
Cramer is the company’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer. He joined Claire’s late last year following a short stint as president of Parade Inc., an intimates brand tailored to Gen Z.
Prior to Parade, he spent a total of 20 years at Bath & Body Works and its parent company, L Brands. He served as both COO and CFO of Bath & Body Works.
“I am honored to serve as interim CEO and appreciate the board’s confidence and support at this important time for Claire’s,” Cramer said.
“I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and the board to build on the company’s recent momentum, strengthen our relationships with our customers, partners, and employees, and further realize our growth potential.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
IndependentsApr 01, 2024
The 1916 Company Names New CEO
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board ChairMore on Majors
The Latest
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
