Appointment
Appointments to posts—such as leadership changes, new executive hires, board nominations, and key management shifts—are critical indicators of strategic direction, operational priorities, and business confidence in the UK jewellery sector. Whether it’s a new creative director at a design house, a CEO stepping in at a major retailer, or a sustainability lead joining a supply-chain group, these personnel moves influence brand vision, commercial policy, and trade relationships. Jewellery Focus tracks and reports on significant appointments across retail, manufacturing, design, education, and trade organisations—analysing the experience and impact of new hires and what their arrival signals for the future of the businesses they join. Our coverage helps industry professionals monitor talent movement, understand evolving leadership trends, and anticipate changes in strategy, partnerships and market positioning.
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Jan- 2017 -23 JanuaryAppointments
Birmingham Assay Office set to appoint Doug Henry as new CEO
The Birmingham Assay Office (BAO) has announced the appointment of Doug Henry as its chief executive and assay master. The news comes after incumbent Stella Layton announced she would leave the role at the AnchorCert Group – comprising BAO, AnchorCert Analytical, AnchorCert Gem Lab, SafeGuard Valuations and AnchorCert Academy –…
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Dec- 2016 -14 DecemberRetailers
Harrods to present one of world’s ‘rarest diamonds’
Luxury department store Harrods has unveiled what it claims is one of the world’s rarest diamonds. The 228.31-carat gem is referred by its owner – who chose to remain anonymous – as the ‘Harrods Diamond’ and has been kept secret in the Knightsbridge store’s safe deposit until now. The pear-shaped…
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Oct- 2016 -24 OctoberCurrent Affairs
Birmingham Assay Office CEO to step down next year
The Birmingham Assay Office (BAO) has announced that its CEO and assay master, Stella Layton, is to leave the role at the end of March 2017. The BAO also announced that Doug Henry, an experienced managing director who has been responsible for several of the organisation’s key projects over the…
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Sep- 2016 -20 SeptemberAppointments
Cooksongold announced new managing director
Cooksongold has announced the appointment of Martin Bach as its new managing director. Bach will be working alongside Richard Oldroyd until the end of the year, when Oldroyd will retire. Bach will then assume responsibility from 1 January 2017. He joins the role with vast management experience in automotive and engineering…
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Jul- 2016 -21 JulyRetailers
Mappin & Webb launches in independent Newcastle jewellers
Reid & Sons, an historic independent jewellers in Newcastle, has announced the launch of Mappin & Webb in-store. Established in 1778 by Christian Ker Reid, Reid & Sons has previously worked with the royal family, Admiralty and the Indian government, while Mappin & Webb has been a Royal Warrant holder…
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Jun- 2016 -9 JuneTrade Organisations
NAJ appoints new chairman and vice-chairman
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced the appointment of a new chairman and vice-chairman. Simon Johnson, owner of Marmalade Fine Jewellery, was confirmed as the NAJ’s chairman at the organisation’s annual general meeting yesterday evening (Wednesday, 8 June) while Harriet Kelsall, of eponymous jewellery brand Harriet Kelsall Bespoke…
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May- 2016 -27 MayAppointments
Bruce Cleaver named CEO of De Beers Group
De Beers Group as announced the appointment of Bruce Cleaver as CEO, following Philippe Mellier’s decision to step down from the role after five years with the company. Cleaver – who will begin his role on 1 July – serviced as De Beers’ executive director and was responsible for strategy…
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23 MayAppointments
Steven Stone Jewellers appoints new director
Steven Stone Jewellers has appointed Max Stone as director of the family-owned business. Stone, who represents the third generation of the family-owned company, will oversee the company’s Hale showroom in Cheshire, with the firm’s Palm Beach showroom operated by his father, Steven Stone, and its London showroom run by Max’s…
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Apr- 2016 -29 AprilRetailers
Allum & Sidaway appoints new jewellery design director
Jewellery retailer Allum & Sidaway has announced the appointment of Ivonna Poplanska as its new jewellery design director. A multi-award winning designer, Poplanska has had a 10-year career working on numerous bespoke commissions including the creation of the ‘The Eternal Dove’ brooch for Queen Elizabeth II, which was presented in…
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26 AprilAuctions
Phillips to expand international watches team
Auction house Phillips has announced a “significant” expansion to its team of international watch specialists, with new roles in New York, Geneva and Hong Kong. The new appointments include Douglas Escribano as senior international specialist in New York; Amy Chow as senior specialist in Hong Kong; and Alex Ghotbi as…
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