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Alex and Ani Names 2 New Execs After Dismissing Several High-Ranking Staffers

Published

8 years ago

October 10, 2016

The firm seeks to “better position itself for growth on a global scale.”

Jewelry company Alex and Ani has appointed two new executives as it seeks to “better position itself for growth on a global scale.”

Bob Woodruff is the Cranston, RI-based company’s new chief financial officer, and Vince Montemarano is its new senior vice president of of international sales and retail.

Woodruff will lead the financial systems and fiscal growth for Alex and Ani on a worldwide scale and will report to Cindy DiPietrantonio, chief operating officer.

Woodruff joins Alex and Ani with more than 35 years of finance experience, having spent nearly 20 years at Nike in senior executive finance positions. Most recently, he served as vice president and CFO of Converse Inc., a brand with a $3 billion global footprint within the Nike portfolio.

Montemarano’s knowledge of global distribution, international sales, operations, business development and retail will be vital as the company “expands into more global markets and realigns it retail footprint to support its digital growth,” according to a press release. He will report to Suzanne Turcotte, chief administrative officer and general counsel.

Montemarano is a retail executive with 25 years of experience in all channels of global distribution. He most recently held the position of executive vice president of international for James Perse in Los Angeles, a global apparel and footwear brand that also includes home and sports products.

GoLocalProv reported in September that Alex and Ani had let go more than 10 high-ranking staff members.

According to the website: “Included in the jettison was Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer Jane Fitzpatrick-Conway, Senior VP of Sales Dan Sills, and Greg Williams who served as Director of Retail.”

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”