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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.”
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