SourcingMay 24, 2024
Signet, De Beers Have a Plan to Promote Natural DiamondsMajorsOct 01, 2024
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos to Retire
The jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos is set to retire next month.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos announced her retirement Tuesday morning, effective Nov. 4.
Drosos also will be leaving the jewelry retailer’s board of directors but will remain on as an advisor through the end of the company’s fiscal year, which will come to a close in early February.
“It has been a true honor to serve Signet for the past 12 years as a member of the board and the past seven as CEO,” Drosos said.
“With the ongoing successful execution of our ‘Inspiring Brilliance’ strategy and the path established for our next phase of growth, now is the right time for this planned leadership transition.”
Petsmart CEO J.K. Symancyk will take over as Signet CEO and join the company’s board.
He said, “I am honored to join Signet as its next CEO and continue advancing the strategy that Gina and the team have established.
“I am passionate about serving customers and I recognize the emotional connection of Signet’s customers when they are making a jewelry purchase. One of the key attributes that drew me to Signet is its purpose-driven and agile culture and focus on putting its team members and customers first.”
Related stories will be right here …
Drosos also will be leaving the jewelry retailer’s board of directors but will remain on as an advisor through the end of the company’s fiscal year, which will come to a close in early February.
“It has been a true honor to serve Signet for the past 12 years as a member of the board and the past seven as CEO,” Drosos said.
“With the ongoing successful execution of our ‘Inspiring Brilliance’ strategy and the path established for our next phase of growth, now is the right time for this planned leadership transition.”
Petsmart CEO J.K. Symancyk will take over as Signet CEO and join the company’s board.
He said, “I am honored to join Signet as its next CEO and continue advancing the strategy that Gina and the team have established.
“I am passionate about serving customers and I recognize the emotional connection of Signet’s customers when they are making a jewelry purchase. One of the key attributes that drew me to Signet is its purpose-driven and agile culture and focus on putting its team members and customers first.”
Helen McCluskey, chair of Signet’s board of directors, said the leadership transition was the result of a “thoughtful, planned succession process by Gina and our board,” and welcomed Symancyk as the new CEO.
“He is a strong leader with more than three decades of experience across the retail industry and proven expertise in driving strategic growth, focusing on the customer, and developing and sustaining high- performing leadership teams that deliver results.”
“We are confident he is the ideal CEO to build on the team’s progress in establishing Signet as the growth and innovation leader of the jewelry industry.”
Symancyk has served as CEO of PetSmart since June 2018, as per his LinkedIn profile.
Prior to that, he was the president and CEO of Outdoor Sports from October 2015 to June 2018.
Symancyk also worked for supermarket chain Meijer for more than nine years, including as its president and chief operating officer.
Board Chair McCluskey also thanked Drosos for her leadership and contributions to the company.
She highlighted Drosos’ accomplishments, which included guiding the retailer through the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its market share by nearly 50 percent, and bolstering its digital presence.
Drosos will be profiled in National Jeweler’s upcoming Retailer Hall of Fame issue.
Signet also announced it has expanded the responsibilities of Chief Financial, Strategy and Services Officer Joan Hilson, naming her chief financial and operating officer.
In her expanded role, Hilson will oversee the supply chain and the Blue Nile and James Allen banners, along with her current oversight of Rocksbox, finance, strategy, real estate, and the services business.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
