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Jewelers of America Names GEM Awards Chairman

Published

6 years ago

June 22, 2018

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Jewelers of America, a national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, has selected Olivier Stip, general manager, watches and fine jewelry of CHANEL, as GEM Awards Committee chair. He succeeds Norman Miller, who served as the GEM Awards Committee chair from 2014 to 2018.

“We are honored to have Olivier Stip at the helm of the GEM Awards Committee,” says David J. Bonaparte, Jewelers of America president and CEO. “Olivier has been a long-time supporter of JA and GEM Awards. His vast understanding of GEM Awards’ history mixed with his vision for the future is sure to make the 2019 GEM Awards, the best GEM Awards yet.”

Stip is a veteran of the luxury goods industry who has held key positions at Chanel and the Richemont Group. Known for his client-centric vision and strategic approach, he has extensive experience across multiple high-end categories, including fine jewelry, watches, eyewear and fragrance. Olivier joined Chanel in 2010 and now serves as general manager, watches and fine jewelry. In this position, he oversees retail and wholesale for the division in the U.S. Previously, he was the senior vice president, marketing and communications, at Cartier North America, and has also held the positions of vice president, retail and jewelry and vice president, international marketing and global communication, for Piaget in Geneva. Olivier holds an MBA in finance and marketing from ESCP Europe.

“I’ve had the privilege to be a part of the GEM Awards since its inception, as a guest, an award presenter, and a Committee member,” said Stip. “The exposure that the event brings to the jewelry industry and Jewelers of America is unparalleled, and I’m honored to be invited to lead the Committee for the next two years.”

2019 GEM Awards Committee

As the GEM Awards Committee chair, Stip will lead the Committee made up of the following individuals: Randi Udell Alper, London Jewelers; Sarin Bachmann, JCK & LUXURY – Reed Jewelry Group; David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America; David Bouffard, Signet Jewelers; Gannon Brousseau, Jewelry Group – Emerald Expositions; Stephanie Evans Greene, Hearts On Fire; Marion Fasel, The Adventurine; Roberta Naas, ATimelyPerspective.com; Marta Nowakowski, Saks Fifth Avenue; Russell Pagliughi, Atelier Swarovski; Michelle Peranteau, Harry Winston; Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box; Norman Miller, Immediate Past Chair; Steven Kaiser – Chairman Emeritus, Kaiser Time Inc.

For the complete list of the GEM Awards Committee, to secure sponsorships or tickets, or to learn more about the Jan. 11, 2019, gala, visit gemawards.jewelers.org

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.”