Jonathan Payne Joins Hamilton & Inches as managing director

Edinburgh based jewellers and Royal Warrant holders Hamilton and Inches has announced Jonathan Payne as its new managing director to support Victoria Houghton, CEO, and the rest of the team.

Payne will bring his luxury retail management expertise he gained from his previous roles to Hamilton and Inches as it plans to invest in the training and development of the existing team, as well as make significant infrastructure updates.

The company said Payne has an “impressive track record” as a retail and business leader, which includes his responsibility for growth of £35m turnover across four locations; Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Southampton in his time at Laings. He also held the role of sales and operations director at Holland and Barrett.

Previously, he was also head of retail operations for the Watches of Switzerland Group, helping to deliver record growth and profitability during a time of “acquisition and change”.

Victoria Houghton, CEO of Hamilton and Inches, said: “Jonathan Payne is the perfect candidate to step into the role of managing director for Hamilton and Inches. His experience and reputation is outstanding and his understanding of Scotland as a retail destination will add credence to our global development strategy.

“He brings exceptional business management acumen, alongside true dedication and energy to support the team in delivering a fresh approach to the five-year growth strategy. His many years of experience and knowledge of the jewellery and fine watches market will be welcomed by the board.”

The company said it will be looking to double turnover over the next five years and hopes the renovations at its George Street showroom will deliver “a fresh experiential retail approach, which have not been seen before in Scotland.

Payne added: “Having the opportunity to join such an experienced team and iconic brand is a real privilege. To me, Hamilton and Inches represents everything a luxury jeweller should be. This includes the talented team in the workshop handcrafting exceptional silverware and jewellery, the vastly knowledgeable and experienced retail team and the longstanding relationships the team has developed over many years with clients and brands.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be joining the team at the start of a period of significant growth and look forward to working with the team to cement our reputation as Scotland’s finest jeweller.”