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Blue Nile Appoints Chief Merchandising Officer
Katie Zimmerman joins the company from Zale Jewelers, where she most recently served as vice president of merchandising.
Seattle--Blue Nile has announced the appointment of Katie Zimmerman as its chief merchandising officer, effective immediately.
Zimmerman will report to CEO Jason Goldberger and is relocating to the Seattle area from Dallas, Texas.
The company’s former chief merchandising officer was Julie Yoakum, who joined the company in 2012 and left in 2016.
Zimmerman joins Blue Nile from Zale Jewelers, where she worked her way from assistant buyer to director of merchandising, and most recently served as vice president of merchandising beginning in 2014.
At the retailer, she developed and launched multiple proprietary collections, increased margin contribution and partnered with iconic designers and brands.
Zimmerman received her Bachelor of Science degree in textiles and apparel/retail merchandising from the University of Texas, Austin.
“Katie brings a unique eye and thoughtful analysis to merchandising bridal and fashion jewelry categories,” Goldberger said. “Her skillset is critical to unlocking the sourcing, assortment, and sales wins that will further Blue Nile’s position as the industry leader.”
Blue Nile said this is its fifth c-level hire since October and its second in two weeks: Erin Daley as chief marketing officer, Ruth Sommers as chief operations officer, David Fleishman as chief product officer and Bill Koefoed as chief financial officer.
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