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MajorsMar 13, 2019
Signet Hires a New CFO, Creates Mall Leadership Team
The retailer is putting the leadership of Kay, Zales, and Peoples under one umbrella.
New Signet Jewelers Chief Financial Officer Joan M. Hilson has worked as the CFO of David’s Bridal and American Eagle Outfitters.
Akron, Ohio—Signet Jewelers Ltd. has appointed former David’s Bridal Chief Financial Officer Joan M. Hilson as its new CFO, the company announced Wednesday.
She will replace Michele Santana, who is stepping down in April.
Early in her career, Hilson spent seven years at Signet division Sterling Jewelers Inc. as the controller to the vice president of finance.
Since then, she has had more than 30 years’ experience in retail and corporate finance, working as CFO of David’s Bridal, American Eagle Outfitters and in the Victoria’s Secret stores division.
“I am excited to have Joan join Signet at such an important time for our business,” said Signet CEO Virginia C. Drosos. “I am confident that Signet will benefit from her transformational experiences and perspective, as we accelerate our Path to Brilliance transformation efforts.”
Signet also announced it is combining the leadership of its Kay, Zales, and Peoples banners under one umbrella, the “Mall Leadership Team.”
Drosos said the reorganization would allow the company to capitalize on banner growth opportunity, improve its product assortment, expand its customer targeting, and improve both the online and in-store experience for customers.
There have been are some position shifts as a result of the reorganization, but no senior executive departures, Signet Vice President of Corporate Affairs David Bouffard confirmed to National Jeweler Wednesday.
Singleton, who has held general manager roles for Zales and Piercing Pagoda, will be responsible for operational responsibilities, including merchandising, marketing and e-commerce for the mall stores.
Bill Luth, former executive vice president of Kay and a 30-year Signet veteran, has been named executive vice president of global store operations.
Kecia Caffie, former divisional vice president and general manager at Piercing Pagoda, has been promoted to senior vice president of Piercing Pagoda.
Singleton, Luth, and Caffie will answer to Sebastian “Seb” Hobbs, Signet’s president and chief customer officer.
“This is key to accelerating our Customer First strategy in year two of our Path to Brilliance transformation,” said Drosos.
Signet said the changes will not have an impact on its external financial reporting structure.
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