Judith Ripka CEO David Minster
(Press Release)
NEW YORK, NY – Judith Ripka Ltd. – a licensee of Xcel Brands, and owner and brand manager of the Judith Ripka trademarks – has announced a new management team.
Leading the new group is industry veteran David Minster, who has taken on the role of CEO of the company’s wholesale division. He previously held executive positions at Scott Kay and David Yurman.
Evert DeGraeve will spearhead collection creative and merchandising. He has more than 20 years of experience in executive and product development positions at fine jewelry companies like David Yurman, Mikimoto and Harry Winston. He is a trained goldsmith who worked at the bench in England, Germany and now in the United States.
Fran Pennella of Benali Consulting will head up marketing and branding. With 17 years of marketing, brand development and public relations experience in the jewelry industry, Pennella has helped a wide range of fine jewelry and timepiece companies as well as industry organizations including David Yurman, Maurice LaCroix, Mastoloni, Perrelet Timepieces and JCK Events to develop and execute strategies that strengthen their market position and build brand awareness.
One of the team’s early goals is to bring a fresh perspective to the Judith Ripka brand as exemplified by the new lines that debuted at Baselworld, including the new color-saturated Versailles collection. Judith Ripka will be showcasing this collection as well as other debuts at the upcoming Couture show in Las Vegas.
For more information on the collections and/or to make a retail appointment, please contact Marjorie Schrager at 212-244-1230 or marjorie.schrager@judithripka.com.