MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerWatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts
Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
On Monday, Shinola announced it had named Ulrich Wohn as president, effective immediately. That same day, he resigned due to “a highly urgent personal matter.”
Detroit—Ulrich Wohn has resigned from his new role as president of Shinola, which he was set to start this week.
In an email sent on Monday evening, Shinola said Wohn had “unexpectedly” informed the company of his resignation, which was due to “a highly urgent personal matter.”
The company had announced Wohn’s appointment in an exclusive for WWD earlier that day.
Wohn was set to succeed Mark Light, who was planning a return to an advisory role at Shinola’s parent company Bedrock Manufacturing, according to WWD.
However, Light, the former CEO of Signet who stepped in as interim president of Shinola in May 2024, will stay on as Shinola’s president until a replacement is found, the company said.
Light will work closely with Steve Katzman, CEO of Bedrock Manufacturing, during this time.
“We respect Ulrich’s decision and wish him well,” Katzman said.
“Shinola has strong momentum right now, and we remain fully focused on our mission to create exceptional American-made watches built in Detroit and lifestyle products and [to] build on the foundation we’ve established with our recent creative appointments and strategic initiatives.”
Shinola was founded in 2011 is based in Detroit. Along with watches, the company sells leather goods, jewelry, pet products, and knives.
Related stories will be right here …
In an email sent on Monday evening, Shinola said Wohn had “unexpectedly” informed the company of his resignation, which was due to “a highly urgent personal matter.”
The company had announced Wohn’s appointment in an exclusive for WWD earlier that day.
Wohn was set to succeed Mark Light, who was planning a return to an advisory role at Shinola’s parent company Bedrock Manufacturing, according to WWD.
However, Light, the former CEO of Signet who stepped in as interim president of Shinola in May 2024, will stay on as Shinola’s president until a replacement is found, the company said.
Light will work closely with Steve Katzman, CEO of Bedrock Manufacturing, during this time.
“We respect Ulrich’s decision and wish him well,” Katzman said.
“Shinola has strong momentum right now, and we remain fully focused on our mission to create exceptional American-made watches built in Detroit and lifestyle products and [to] build on the foundation we’ve established with our recent creative appointments and strategic initiatives.”
Shinola was founded in 2011 is based in Detroit. Along with watches, the company sells leather goods, jewelry, pet products, and knives.
Wohn has more than two decades of experience in the watch sector.
He previously spent eight years as president and chief executive officer of North America for LVMH-owned watch brand TAG Heuer.
He spent the last four years working as president of North America for Swiss knife manufacturer and watchmaker Victorinox.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
