Gary Wroe elected as new BJA chairman

The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) has appointed Gary Wroe as its new chairman. 

Wroe, who is managing director of Birmingham-based Hockley Mint, was elected by a vote of the BJA’s national committee late last week. He will succeed Gary Williams who steps down at the end of April.

Speaking to Jewellery Focus, Wroe said: “I’m very excited to take on the role. We’ve got to let things settle down first, but we had a strategy meeting last week about how we’re going to take the association forward, and I’m looking forward to that process.”

The announcement comes just weeks after Holts Group CEO Jason Holt rescinded the association chair in favour of running the government’s new apprenticeships ‘Craft Trailblazer’, aimed at creating an education framework by which employers throughout the sector will be able to identify the skill level of job seekers.

Williams said of Wroe’s appointment: “In the wake of Jason’s decision not to take up the BJA Chairman’s role, due to accepting the chair of the government’s ‘Trailblazer’ programme for Crafts, I am delighted that the National Committee have voted Gary and Helen to continue to direct the British Jewellers’ Association to inspire and support our industry.

The BJA simultaneously announced the appointment of Helen O’Neill as vice chairman. She is currently CEO of Precious Metal Clay (PMC).