Press Releases

David Yurman Names New Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer

“I am thrilled to welcome Chris and Robert to David Yurman.”

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2024

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – David Yurman, America’s foremost luxury jewelry brand, announces the appointment of Chris Clipper as Chief Financial Officer and Robert Lepere as Chief People Officer.

“I am thrilled to welcome Chris and Robert to David Yurman,” said Evan Yurman, president and chief creative officer. “They are well-respected leaders, and their combined expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow and innovate.”

In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Clipper brings over 25 years of experience and will oversee the company’s financial strategy and operations, contributing to David Yurman’s continued growth and success in the luxury market. He will report directly to Evan Yurman. Prior to joining David Yurman, Clipper held leadership roles as CFO of Ralph Lauren North America, Nike North America, Warner Media, and started his career in investment banking.

“I’m honored to join David Yurman, an iconic brand in the luxury retail industry,” said Clipper. “I look forward to collaborating with Evan to drive financial growth and advance our strategic agenda by executing against key initiatives. David Yurman is not only a preeminent designer-led business, but the founders have also continuously found a way to bring a freshness and energy to the industry that I’m incredibly proud to join.”

As Chief People Officer, Lepere will oversee all aspects of the company’s People & Culture group, including Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development and HR Operations. He will report to Emily Yueh, Chief Administrative Officer. Lepere joins with deep expertise and over 25 years of experience in retail human resources. Most recently, he served as Chief People Officer at Casper and Fullbeauty Brands, and held leadership roles at ascena Retail Group and Gap, Inc.

“I’m excited to step into the role of Chief People Officer and work alongside Evan and Emily to further David Yurman’s mission of becoming a destination employer where our people are considered the heartbeat of our business’ success” said Lepere. “I am committed to fostering an environment where our team members are inspired to achieve excellence, continue to amaze our clients, and feel valued.”

The appointments of Clipper and Lepere reiterate David Yurman’s commitment to excellence in financial management and people-centered leadership.

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.