NAJ names Heather Callaway as new chair

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has elected Heather Callaway as its new chair for a two-year term until 2024, succeeding Gary Wroe.

The association has also elected Adam Jacobs as vice-chair and David Doyle has been re-elected as president until June 2023.

Additionally, joining the NAJ National Committee is Mehdi Saadian, director of GIA’s London campus. Saadian began his career in jewellery by managing a small jewellery business in Iran, before going on to work as a store manager for a high-end jeweller in London before joining GIA’s London campus as a gemmology instructor.

Meanwhile, the NAJ has also unveiled its new strategy focused on “shaping professional excellence” for the industry through compliance, profitability and responsibility.

Callaway said this means the association is “not only looking at how we can strengthen the member offer but also how to inform more individuals”, and give access to relevant and practical guidance and information.

Wroe said: “I’d like to thank the National Committee and the staff team for their support. They’ve supported me in and out of meetings throughout a challenging time for all, again all putting the needs of the members at the forefront of their minds and I’m delighted to have worked with them over this period.”

Callaway added: “Gary is one of the busiest men in the trade, and yet he has time for NAJ, for BATF and for the charitable endeavours he supports. We know Gary has continued to push NAJ to be leading the sector, to demonstrate value to members and to challenge the committee on how we can support jewellers and jewellery businesses.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and I’m especially thankful to the friends and colleagues on the National Committee for their support.”