The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
Shake-Up at Signet: Two Big Retirements, New Roles
Ed Hrabak and Tryna Kochanek are retiring as the jewelry retailer creates two new executive roles in response to the changing retail environment.

Akron, Ohio--Signet Jewelers Ltd. announced Tuesday that Ed Hrabak and Tryna Kochanek, who each have been with the jewelry retailer for 30 years, are retiring amid a major senior management restructuring at the company.
The changes follow a holiday season that fell short of expectations and includes new roles focusing on the customer experience both online and in stores, and retail analytics.
Commenting on the changes in a company news release, CEO Mark Light said: “We continue to align our organization and priorities with … the changing retail environment, characterized by evolving shopping habits and increasing customer expectations for an outstanding digital experience.
“We are investing and directing more resources to improve the overall customer omnichannel journey, re-emphasizing our commitment to the customer experience and enhancing our analytics function to ensure we are offering products and services that appeal to today’s and tomorrow’s customers.”
Hrabak is Signet’s chief operations officer and has been with the company 30 years, starting in 1987 as a merchandise buyer.
When asked when his retirement will be effective, Signet Vice President of Corporate Affairs David Bouffard said that Hrabak has “committed to ensuring a smooth transition prior to departure.”
After he leaves, the responsibility for IT modernization, transformational initiatives and operational efficiencies will fall to the new COO, Bryan Morgan, currently the company’s executive vice president of supply chain management and repair. Light said Morgan will work with Chief Information Officer Joseph Brenner to deliver against the company’s IT systems objectives.
Kochanek, meanwhile, is Signet’s executive vice president of North American store operations and also has been with the company for three decades, starting in 1986 as a store office manager.
Bouffard said Kochanek will remain with Signet until the spring.
As Hrabek and Kochanek exit, Signet is creating two new positions, president and chief customer officer, and chief retail insights and strategy officer.
Sebastian Hobbs, currently the managing director of the company’s U.K. division, has been promoted to the president and CCO role and will move from the United Kingdom to the Signet’s headquarters in Akron, Ohio.
He will report directly to Light and have global responsibility for leading all three of Signet’s customer-facing functions--store operations, merchandising and marketing--ensuring that customers have a “world-class experience,” Light said.
Hobbs, who has been with the company about six years, will continue to oversee the company’s operations in the United Kingdom, with
Filling the new role of chief retail insights and strategy officer will be Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer George Murray.
In this new role, Murray also will report to Light and will focus on collecting and using retail and consumer data to drive strategy across the business. He also will continue to play a key role on the company’s executive committee.
Also on Tuesday, Signet announced that it has added an executive with digital expertise to its board, Brian A. Tilzer, the chief digital officer at CVS Health.
Bouffard said this a new board position; Tilzer is not replacing anybody.
The Latest

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.


The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.

Dubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.

The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.

Smith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.

The company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.

The “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.

David Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.