A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Appointments: Tourneau names new CEO
Ira Melnitsky has been appointed CEO of Tourneau, succeeding James Seuss who left the company last year to serve as CEO and global president of Hunter Boots.
New York--Ira Melnitsky has been appointed CEO of Tourneau, succeeding James Seuss who left the company last year to serve as CEO and global president of Hunter Boots.
His appointment is effective Oct. 16.
Melnitsky most recently served as president of LF USA’s home and better handbag division. Prior to that, he was president and chief merchandising officer at members-only discount e-tailer Rue La La and also served as executive vice president of sales and merchandising at Tumi and Ferragamo USA.
Melnitksy’s first position was as an accessories buyer for Lord & Taylor.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) recently elected a president and seven directors to its 2014 board.
They are Ruben Bindra of B&B Fine Gems Inc., who will serve as president; Pramod Agrawal of Shanu Gems Inc.; Bill Heher of Rare Earth Mining Co. Inc.; Gina Latendresse of American Pearl Company Inc.; Gerry Manning of Manning International; Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems Inc.; Simon Watt of Mayer & Watt; and Larry Woods of Jewels from the Woods.
They will begin their terms immediately following the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson board meeting.
Adam Bernhard has stepped down from the role of CEO of HauteLook, a flash-sale site owned by Nordstrom Inc. As founder of the site, he will continue with the company in an advisory capacity.
No replacement for the CEO position will be sought, Nordstrom said, as HauteLook President Terry Boyle will lead the business.
Boyle began his career with HauteLook in 2008 as chief operating officer and chief financial officer and has led the business through significant growth, Nordstrom said.
Adam Gurian is the new executive vice president of global sales at Frederick Goldman Inc.
Gurian joins the company after 17 years at the Timex Group, where he most recently served as president of the Timex Business Unit. Prior to that, he held various sales, brand management and operational roles within the company.
He also held merchant positions at Macy’s and May Company.
Jennifer Treese Wilson is now corporate counsel at the Gemological Institute of America, where she initially will support the organization’s global education programs.
Wilson has more than 15 years of experience in the international nonprofit education sector, including 14 years with Alliant International University, most recently serving as vice president for administration and general counsel.
She also has more than 10 years of experience as an associate and
Jewelry brand Marina B announced the appointment of two executives, Catherine Bové to president and Mona Nagib as director of sales.
As president, Bové will oversee the day-to-day operations of Marina B as well as retail expansion, branding and communication. Her priorities will include accelerating wholesale growth, opening new retail locations and leveraging the brand’s heritage and international reputation as a “jeweler to the stars.”
She will be based in New York and report to Marina B CEO Paul Lubetsky.
Bové most recently served as director of retail at Chopard USA. Prior to that, she worked under Marina Bulgari as director from 1996 to 2000, and also has held positions at Bulgari, Chanel Fine Jewelry and David Yurman.
Nagib is re-joining Marina B after beginning her career there in 1999. She last served as a consultant for various international, contemporary and antique luxury jewelry companies, and has also designed bespoke pieces for private jewelry collectors.
Lubetsky, owner and CEO of Windsor Jewelers Inc., a seller of estate, antique and closeout jewelry, acquired the Marina B brand in 2010.
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