GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions
Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
David Webb has made changes within its leadership team, naming, from left to right, Jeff Preolo as chief financial officer, David Stout as sales director, Levi Higgs as head of archives and brand heritage, and David Benavides as head of revenue operations.
New York—David Webb has announced a series of new hires and internal promotions within its leadership team and regional roles.
The four leadership and five regional positions were newly created and are effective immediately.
The appointments signal a bold phase of growth and brand revitalization under David Webb’s new ownership, the company said.
In April, the company announced it had been acquired by private investment group Middle West Partners and had named James Weiss as CEO.
“My first mission has been to shape the future of David Webb by investing in extraordinary talent,” said Weiss.
“These appointments are just the beginning of a broader vision to elevate every facet of the brand from our operations to our client experience. We do all of this while remaining focused on David Webb’s legacy of American craftsmanship and luxury.”
Changes have been made to four leadership team roles at David Webb’s New York headquarters.
Jeff Preolo has been promoted to chief financial officer.
He joined the company in 2023, after working for Ferragamo, Proenza Schouler, and Lafayette 148, and was previously the vice president of finance.
David Stout was promoted to sales director and will be responsible for the company’s revenue worldwide.
Stout joined in 2018 and most recently held the position of regional sales manager.
Levi Higgs has now been named the head of archives and brand heritage.
He began his time with the company in 2013 and was previously the archivist and social media manager where he built and managed the David Webb Instagram page.
David Benavides has joined David Webb as head of revenue operations.
He brings 15 years of experience in jewelry and retail.
Previously, he held leadership roles at David Yurman, Rhone, and Coty.
Related stories will be right here …
The four leadership and five regional positions were newly created and are effective immediately.
The appointments signal a bold phase of growth and brand revitalization under David Webb’s new ownership, the company said.
In April, the company announced it had been acquired by private investment group Middle West Partners and had named James Weiss as CEO.
“My first mission has been to shape the future of David Webb by investing in extraordinary talent,” said Weiss.
“These appointments are just the beginning of a broader vision to elevate every facet of the brand from our operations to our client experience. We do all of this while remaining focused on David Webb’s legacy of American craftsmanship and luxury.”
Changes have been made to four leadership team roles at David Webb’s New York headquarters.
Jeff Preolo has been promoted to chief financial officer.
He joined the company in 2023, after working for Ferragamo, Proenza Schouler, and Lafayette 148, and was previously the vice president of finance.
David Stout was promoted to sales director and will be responsible for the company’s revenue worldwide.
Stout joined in 2018 and most recently held the position of regional sales manager.
Levi Higgs has now been named the head of archives and brand heritage.
He began his time with the company in 2013 and was previously the archivist and social media manager where he built and managed the David Webb Instagram page.
David Benavides has joined David Webb as head of revenue operations.
He brings 15 years of experience in jewelry and retail.
Previously, he held leadership roles at David Yurman, Rhone, and Coty.
David Webb has also appointed, from left to right, Amber Ahmed, Meredith Austin Brown, Lindsey Klonoski, Lori Prestridge, and Barry Selnick (not pictured).
New hires were made across the company’s West Coast and Middle East regional teams.
Amber Ahmed has joined David Webb as general manager of Middle East and North Africa.
In this position, she is responsible for the company’s Doha, Qatar, location and all operations across the Middle East.
She brings more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry and 10 years of experience in the region to her new role, as she is based in Dubai.
Meredith Austin Brown has been named regional sales manager of the West Coast.
Previously, she worked at Tiffany & Co., Martin Katz, and Harry Winston.
Lindsey Klonoski has joined as regional operations manager of the West Coast.
Before this role, she spent nine years at Broken English in Santa Monica as its boutique director.
Lori Prestridge has been appointed as the regional sales manager of Texas after working for 24 years at Neiman Marcus.
Barry Selnick has been named the sales advisor of California after working for 29 years at both Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
“This infusion of talent across departments and regions reflects our sharpened focus on customer engagement and global brand growth,” said Weiss.
“Each of these individuals brings the experience and leadership necessary to help guide David Webb into an exciting new era.”
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
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.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
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.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
