Appointment
Appointments to postsโsuch as leadership changes, new executive hires, board nominations, and key management shiftsโare critical indicators of strategic direction, operational priorities, and business confidence in the UK jewellery sector. Whether itโs 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. JewelleryโฏFocus tracks and reports on significant appointments across retail, manufacturing, design, education, and trade organisationsโanalysing 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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Jul- 2017 -31 JulyRetailers
CMJโs CEO Willie Hamilton steps down
Willie Hamilton, CEO of Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ), has announced his departure from the role after 10 years. The CMJ is a buying group for independent retailers of watches and jewellery in the UK and Ireland and currently has over 150 members. Michael Aldridge, chairman of CMJ, said: โWillie…
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19 JulyEvents
Yoko London to return to IJL after six-year hiatus
Luxury pearl jeweller Yoko London by Euro Pearls returns to IJL this year for the first time in six years. The return to the show is part of the firms renewed focus on the UK market, which includes the appointment of two new UK sales agents โ Travis Burne and…
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May- 2017 -17 MayAppointments
Woman named boss of Goldsmiths’ Company for the first time in its 700-year history
For the first time in 700 years, one of the most respected City institutions is appointing a woman to its top job. Today marksย the installation of trailblazing Londoner, Judith Cobham-Lowe OBE, as the first woman Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company. The Goldsmiths’ Company, which received its first Royal Charter…
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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 โHarrods Diamondโ and has been kept secret in the Knightsbridge storeโs 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 organisationโs 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 assumeย 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 NAJโs chairman at the organisationโs 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 Mellierโs 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 Beersโ executive director and was responsible for strategy…
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