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.”

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

×

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