MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterMajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO
Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Jewelers Mutual President Mike Alexander, left, will succeed retiring CEO Scott Murphy at the start of next year.
Neenah, Wisc.—Jewelers Mutual announced Tuesday that CEO Scott Murphy will retire at the end of the year after 12 years as CEO.
Mike Alexander, the company’s president, will succeed Murphy as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Murphy will continue to serve on Jewelers Mutual’s board of directors.
He joined Jewelers Mutual in 2015.
Jewelers Mutual said Murphy’s leadership “fundamentally reshaped” the company and its place in the industry through fostering a culture of innovation, leading with purpose, and keeping customers at the center.
“Leading Jewelers Mutual has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Murphy.
“The jewelry industry is filled with remarkable people who pour their passion, creativity, and craftsmanship into everything they do, and it has been a privilege to serve them. I am proud of what our team has built and even more excited about where Mike will take this company next.”
Alexander also came to Jewelers Mutual in 2015.
He has been “instrumental” in advancing the company’s digital transformation, leading business growth initiatives, championing product innovation, and overseeing its market and portfolio expansion, said Jewelers Mutual.
He was promoted to president in 2025.
In the role, he worked closely with Murphy to translate the company’s long-term strategy into day-to-day execution, partnering with teams across the organization to bring innovations like the JM Care Plan to market and guide the integration of Jewellers Loop after its acquisition.
As CEO, he will focus on accelerating the company’s expansion into new markets, deepening its digital and technology capabilities, and broadening its portfolio of solutions for jewelers and consumers.
Alexander also serves on the boards of Diamonds Do Good and the YMCA of the Fox Cities in Wisconsin.
“I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead,” said Alexander.
“Scott has built an extraordinary foundation—a company with clear purpose, a strong culture, and a bold vision for the future. I’m energized to build on that momentum, and this team has everything it needs to keep pushing our industry forward. I couldn’t be more ready to lead the way.”
Related stories will be right here …
Mike Alexander, the company’s president, will succeed Murphy as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Murphy will continue to serve on Jewelers Mutual’s board of directors.
He joined Jewelers Mutual in 2015.
Jewelers Mutual said Murphy’s leadership “fundamentally reshaped” the company and its place in the industry through fostering a culture of innovation, leading with purpose, and keeping customers at the center.
“Leading Jewelers Mutual has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Murphy.
“The jewelry industry is filled with remarkable people who pour their passion, creativity, and craftsmanship into everything they do, and it has been a privilege to serve them. I am proud of what our team has built and even more excited about where Mike will take this company next.”
Alexander also came to Jewelers Mutual in 2015.
He has been “instrumental” in advancing the company’s digital transformation, leading business growth initiatives, championing product innovation, and overseeing its market and portfolio expansion, said Jewelers Mutual.
He was promoted to president in 2025.
In the role, he worked closely with Murphy to translate the company’s long-term strategy into day-to-day execution, partnering with teams across the organization to bring innovations like the JM Care Plan to market and guide the integration of Jewellers Loop after its acquisition.
As CEO, he will focus on accelerating the company’s expansion into new markets, deepening its digital and technology capabilities, and broadening its portfolio of solutions for jewelers and consumers.
Alexander also serves on the boards of Diamonds Do Good and the YMCA of the Fox Cities in Wisconsin.
“I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead,” said Alexander.
“Scott has built an extraordinary foundation—a company with clear purpose, a strong culture, and a bold vision for the future. I’m energized to build on that momentum, and this team has everything it needs to keep pushing our industry forward. I couldn’t be more ready to lead the way.”
During Murphy’s tenure as CEO, he helped grow Jewelers Mutual from a specialty insurer to a technology-forward industry leader with an expanding international footprint, a diversified suite of solutions, and a culture recognized for innovation and excellence, the company said.
“Scott had a clear-eyed vision for what Jewelers Mutual could become, not just a better insurer, but a genuine leader to the jewelry industry,” said Robert Reeg, chair of the board for Jewelers Mutual.
“He built something that will serve this industry for the next century. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and proud of everything the team has accomplished under his guidance. We are equally confident in Mike’s ability to lead Jewelers Mutual into its next chapter. His vision and steady hand give the board great optimism for what’s ahead.”
Murphy championed innovation during his time with the company.
“Innovation is not confined to a single department; it is a mindset that permeates every aspect of an organization,” he said.
“When curiosity, collaboration, and customer-centric thinking are embedded into everything we do—and when 10x thinking is expected and encouraged—innovation is likely to result.”
His philosophy produced tangible results, Jewelers Mutual said, including investments in modern technology, machine learning, predictive analytics, and API integration.
It also inspired the development of digital tools that helped jewelers modernize their operations and gave rise to a company culture in which employees at every level were expected to ask, “what if,” and to act with urgency on the answer, the company said.
As the transition takes place, Jewelers Mutual said its mission, vision, and strategic priorities remain unchanged.
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
