SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr MajorsApr 06, 2026
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.
Related stories will be right here …
“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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.”
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
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.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
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.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
