Majors

Rocket’s Michael Kaplan Named JBT Board Chair

MajorsMar 19, 2018

Rocket’s Michael Kaplan Named JBT Board Chair

The 55-year industry veteran and Rocket president was first vice chair of the board.

2018_Michael-Kaplan.jpg
Rocket President Michael Kaplan has been named chairman of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade. (Photo credit: Bart Gorin)

New York--Michael Kaplan, president of packaging and display company Rocket, is the new chairman of the board for the JBT, Rocket announced Friday.

He replaces Todd Wolleman, who was elected to his second one-year term as Jewelers Board of Trade board chair in April 2017.

A 55-year industry veteran, Kaplan has volunteered with the JBT for almost 20 years and has served on the board as first vice chairman.

“We are very excited to have Mike as our chairman and look forward to his oversight and guidance,” said Richard Weisenfeld, who continues in his role as JBT president. “Mike brings to the table tremendous experience working with JBT and many other industry organizations.”

Kaplan’s company, Rocket, is fourth-generation family-owned business that just celebrated its centennial.

Outside of Rocket and the JBT, he served on the board of Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America; as president, chairman and board member of the 24 Karat Club of New York and president, secretary and board member of Plumb Club; and on the scholarship board and as treasurer of the Women’s Jewelry Association.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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