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.”
IndependentsApr 01, 2024
The 1916 Company Names New CEO
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board ChairMore on Majors
The Latest
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
