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Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet Jewelers
Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
Signet Jewelers executives Kecia Caffie, pictured, and Corinne Bentzen have left the company. Caffie was president of Zales and Banter, while Bentzen headed Blue Nile and James Allen, both of which are undergoing changes.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers confirmed two changes amid its executive ranks following last month’s announcement that it is closing more stores and making major changes to its banners.
“As we align our brands more closely and continue to streamline our operating model, some leadership roles are evolving,” the company told National Jeweler.
Kecia Caffie, president of Zales and Banter (also known as Banter by Piercing Pagoda), has left the company, Signet said.
Caffie had been with Signet for 15 years, working her way up from vice president of merchandise planning and allocation to become head of the business then known as Piercing Pagoda.
She was promoted to her current role in January 2023.
Signet said CEO J.K. Symancyk will lead Zales and Banter on an interim basis while it searches for Caffie’s successor.
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“As we align our brands more closely and continue to streamline our operating model, some leadership roles are evolving,” the company told National Jeweler.
Kecia Caffie, president of Zales and Banter (also known as Banter by Piercing Pagoda), has left the company, Signet said.
Caffie had been with Signet for 15 years, working her way up from vice president of merchandise planning and allocation to become head of the business then known as Piercing Pagoda.
She was promoted to her current role in January 2023.
Signet said CEO J.K. Symancyk will lead Zales and Banter on an interim basis while it searches for Caffie’s successor.
Corinne Bentzen, who was president of digital banners Blue Nile and James Allen, also has left the company.
Bentzen was appointed to her current position in November 2024, replacing James Allen co-founder Oded Edelman when he left Signet.
Bentzen’s exit follows Signet’s announcement on its earnings call last month that it was shutting down James Allen, the predominantly online retailer it acquired in 2017, and repositioning Blue Nile.
During the call, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Joan Hilson said the Blue Nile brand serves more affluent customers, and so Signet wants to make it an “elevated luxury brand” that focuses on natural diamonds.
The company expects James Allen to close completely in the second quarter, though a small collection of James Allen jewelry still will be sold via Blue Nile. The company also will use James Allen’s proprietary customization technology across its other banners.
While Signet did not announce any changes for Banter on its earnings call, Hilson did say that the company is continuing to “evaluate its role” within the broader context of Signet’s banners.
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News of Caffie and Bentzen’s exits was first reported in The Jewelry Wire, Rob Bates’ new Substack.
In its statement to National Jeweler, Signet said it has started the search for the next president of Blue Nile, who will “operate within this more integrated model.”
Hilson will oversee the business in the meantime.
“We are incredibly grateful to these leaders for their many contributions to Signet, our team members, and our customers,” the company said. “Their work has helped position the company for its next phase of growth.”
In its statement to National Jeweler, Signet said it has started the search for the next president of Blue Nile, who will “operate within this more integrated model.”
Hilson will oversee the business in the meantime.
“We are incredibly grateful to these leaders for their many contributions to Signet, our team members, and our customers,” the company said. “Their work has helped position the company for its next phase of growth.”
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