Independents

David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

IndependentsJun 27, 2025

David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
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 … 

Amber Ahmed, Meredith Austin Brown, Lindsey Klonoski, and Lori Prestridge
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.”

Natalie Franciscois the associate editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering designers, trends, and new collections.

The Latest

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Bonhams US headquarters
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Kering logo
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco Group

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

For Future Reference Vintage
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’s

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Front of Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ brooch
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

Audemars Piguet Grosse Pièce
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at Auction

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

Diamond ring in parts
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Service

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Terry and Cindy Chandler at AGS Conclave
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and Friends

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

Rendering of Bob’s Watches JFK airport store
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK Airport

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat Them

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

Fabergé egg pendant near gloved hand
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Snake Necklace, Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace, Vanessa Fernandez Studio Curva Wrap Hoops, Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace, Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings, Marla Aaron Nymphenburg Lock, Lof The Valentine Ring
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week Picks

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

Lucy Hale in Jacquie Aiche’s Love and Desire Campaign
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday Campaign

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

SSEF logo
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Pandora Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up Early

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy