Independents

Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

IndependentsJul 31, 2025

Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
Matthew Tratner, a 20-year industry veteran who has worked in jewelry manufacturing, trade shows, grading laboratories, and publishing, is the new president of the Continental Buying Group. (Photo courtesy of CBG)
Miami—The Continental Buying Group (CBG) announced Wednesday that Matthew Tratner has joined the company as president, marking a new phase of leadership for the company.

CBG founder Andie Weinman will begin stepping back from day-to-day operations at the organization but stay on as a consultant, while Joe Murphy will continue as CEO. 

“I am honored to join the Continental Buying Group as president and to partner with Joe in leading this exceptional community,” Tratner said. 

“CBG represents the very best of what our industry can be—collaborative, forward-thinking, and built on relationships. I look forward to building on that legacy, expanding the group’s offerings, and helping to deliver even more value to our members.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Tratner has more than 20 years of jewelry industry experience that spans manufacturing, retail, media, and trade show leadership.

Most recently, he served as group show director for the JA New York shows and before that, worked as general manager and vice president of Sarine North America and director of global business development at the Gemological Institute of America.

Tratner also served as director of membership and sales for Jewelers of America, leading strategic retail initiatives and overseeing JA’s 2015 acquisition of National Jeweler.

He later served as National Jeweler’s publisher. 

Murphy said hiring Tratner was a strategic move that positions the buying group for long-term success.

“He and I share a clear vision for the future, one that emphasizes innovation, member value, and strong industry relationships,” Murphy said. 

“I look forward to working closely with Matt as we lead CBG into its next chapter.”

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