Press Releases

Chau Lui and Eric Senftleben voted in as Co-Chairs of the Canadian Jewellers Association Board of Directors

The 3rd Annual CJA Industry Summit was a great success, bringing together professionals from across Canada for a full day of learning, engagement, and networking.

Published

3 months ago

October 30, 2025

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) TORONTO, ON — Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) held its Annual General Meeting at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto, ON, where the 2026 CJA Board of Directors was voted on and accepted by its members.

Chau Lui

The 3rd Annual CJA Industry Summit was a resounding success. Industry professionals from across Canada participated in a full day of learning from top industry professionals, engaging with member benefit partners and networking. The day was completed by cocktails and the CJA Awards Dinner where five awards were presented including the Erol Paylan Impact Award. Over 200 members and industry professionals attended the event.

Co-Chair Chau Lui of Paris Jewellers in Edmonton, AB – “It’s a true honour to work alongside our Board of Directors and the CJA team. I’m looking forward to learning from one another, collaborating with purpose, and supporting initiatives that continue to move forward our incredible jewellery and watch industry.”

Eric Sentfleben

Co-Chair Eric Sentfleben of Citizen Watch Canada Ltd. in Markham, ON – “I’m grateful to be part of the CJA Board and excited about what we will achieve together. As we embrace chances to reconnect, re-engage, and strengthen the common purpose of supporting the pursuit of excellence within the Canadian jewellery and watch industry, I anticipate a future of transformation aligned with our strategic objectives and growth aspirations.”

Chau and Eric are joined on the Board by the following:

Past Chair: Angela Betteridge | Angela Betteridge Jewellery, Kelowna, B.C.
1st Vice Chair: Marco Pasteris | Birks Group, Montreal, QC
2nd Vice Chair: Shant Purutoglu | Gem Lab Appraisal Services, Toronto, ON
Executive Member: Justin Opert | Sorbet Sapphire, Thornhill, ON
Director: Mark Devereaux | Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group, Neenah, WI, U.S.A.
Director: Kevin Vantyghem | Vantyghem Diamonds, Kitchener, ON
Director: Tom Hart | C.J. Ltd., Dartmouth, N.S.
Director: Arka Akkelian | Canadian Gem, Montreal, QC
Director: Pramendra Baid | La Pierre Precieuse Inc., Montreal, QC
Director: Simon Parker| MBA4Rent & Douglas College, New Westminster, B.C.
Director: Carey Spanbauer Wilde | Refined Custom Jewellers Ltd., Cochrane, AB
Director: Simon Marcil | Tech-Emotion, Montreal, QC

View the board at canadianjewellers.com/board-of-directors

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