Former NAJ president David Doyle dies at 64

David Doyle, former president of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and a highly-respected figure in the UK jewellery trade for over four decades, died on 8 February 2026 at the age of 64. 

Doyle, who was born in the Midlands in 1962, lived with cancer for four years. He began his career in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter at 17. 

Following sales roles at Cadbury Schweppes and Avon, he returned to the sector as a manufacturers’ agent before establishing his wholesale business, Jewellery Brokers, in 1986.

Doyle held numerous leadership positions within industry trade bodies. He joined the national committee of the British Jewellers’ Association in 1996 and later served as chairman of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) in 2004. 

He was appointed NAJ president in 2018, a role he held for five years.

His other professional appointments included:

• Non-executive director of the British Jewellery Giftware and Finishing Federation (1999–2016).
• Confederation of British Industry representative on the West Midlands Regional Council (2007–2011).
• President of the British Allied Trade Federation (2008–2009).
• Trade warden of the Birmingham Assay Office (2010–2019).

In his later years, Doyle focused on charitable work. As vice chair of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation Benevolent Society from 2008, he managed its fundraising events, including the 2024 Benevolent Ball which raised £28,000. 

He also founded a dedicated fundraising initiative for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s cancer department, with events in 2024 and 2025 raising a combined £204,000.

His contributions were recognised with the NAJ Chairs Award in 2022 and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Jewellery Awards in 2023. Doyle is survived by his wife, Jan, and his children, Sophie and Dan.

Gary Williams, NAJ president, said: “David had an incredibly positive influence on the jewellery trade he loved. He was well respected by all who knew him and held in the highest esteem. David will not be forgotten and will always be greatly missed.”

Adam Jacobs, chair of the NAJ, added: “David’s massive contribution to the UK jewellery industry cannot be overestimated. Through the British Jewellers Association, to the National Association of Goldsmiths and ultimately the National Association of Jewellers, he helped shape a stronger sector by putting his hand up and wholeheartedly volunteering in the industry he loved. 

“His dedication to charity was incredible, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for The Benevolent Society and local Birmingham Cancer Charities. His legacy, both enduring and endearing, is large. On behalf of the NAJ, I share gratitude to his family for sharing him with us over the years, and send them our appreciation and heartfelt condolences.”