Press Releases

Jewelers Mutual Welcomes Jennifer Markas as the New Head of Industry Relations

Effective August 14.

Published

8 months ago

August 16, 2023

Press Releases

Jennifer Markas

(PRESS RELEASE) Jennifer Markas, former executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), has joined Jewelers Mutual as the new Head of Industry Relations, effective yesterday, August 14, 2023.

She will be responsible for continuing to elevate the industry through meaningful partnerships with key industry association and foundation partners, as well as strategic leadership of the Jewelry Industry Council, and all industry events for Jewelers Mutual, including our signature event Conversations in Park City.

Jennifer brings a wealth of experience spanning over seven years in the jewelry industry. She has held senior posts as the Global Reporting & Communications Manager – Sustainability & Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Tiffany & Co., and has led other non-profits and foundations across different verticals including Vice President / Sr. Finance Manager, Citibank Foundation.

In her time at WJA, she realized significant growth in membership and programming, launched the jewelry industry’s first diversity scholarships to provide education opportunities to underserved populations wishing to enter the jewelry industry, helped develop WJA Foundation’s Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Education Fund (the first of its kind in the fine jewelry industry), and worked to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through various industry partnerships.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”