Michael Rawlinson named NAJ chief executive
The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) and the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) unification working party today names Michael Rawlinson the inaugural chief executive officer for the new organisation, the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ).
Rawlinson, currently chief executive of the NAG, was appointed following a comprehensive selection process involving interviews and presentations of proposed visions and plans to create a genuinely unique and inclusive organisation for everyone involved in the UK jewellery supply chain.
In his new role, Rawlinson will be responsible for the process to bring the two existing trade organisations together as quickly as possible, overseeing the implementation of the vision and plans of the newly formed association.
The unification working party is made up of: Gary Wroe, chairman, BJA, Helen O’Neill, vice chairman, BJA, Gary Williams, deputy chairman, BJA, Andrew Hinds, chairman, NAG, Simon Johnson, vice chairman, NAG, Pravin Pattni, immediate past chair of the NAG.
Gary Wroe said: “Many congratulations to Michael. The selection panel was unanimously impressed by his ambitious and appropriate vision for the NAJ. Michael’s personal attributes together with his clear enthusiasm for the creation of the newly agreed trade body, has been recognisable in his current role and for his future role and we wish him enormous success.”
Andrew Hinds added: “Having worked with Michael for the last two and a half years, I have every confidence in his skills and knowledge to grow the NAJ into an all-encompassing association for the whole UK jewellery industry. Michael has some impressive ideas and the much-needed forward-thinking attitude to ensure the success of the NAJ for all its members.”
Responding to his appointment, Rawlinson said: “To be selected as the first chief executive of the NAJ is an absolute honour and I’m delighted. I now look forward to working alongside members of both the current organisations, the BJA and NAG, to develop the most effective policies and actions to bring the NAJ to the industry as soon as possible.”
The NAJ will exhibit for the first time at the International Jewellery London (IJL) show on 6-8 September 2015, Olympia, on Stand K30, where it will be offering further information about membership.
