Headlines

Rio Grande Names Arien Gessner President

He’ll take over in early 2020.

Published

5 years ago

March 5, 2019

INSTORE Staff

Arien Gessner succeeds Alan Bell as president of Rio Grande.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Rio Grande Inc. announced that its board of directors has appointed Arien Gessner to succeed Alan Bell as president of the business, a division of Richline Group. Gessner is a current member of the board and vice president of sales and marketing.

Since joining the company, Gessner has led innovation and projects related to Rio Grande’s marketing and sales efforts, including the popular RioPro program.

“Having worked with Arien for over five years, I am very confident that he is the right person to lead Rio Grande into the future while protecting the culture and core values that are so much a part of Rio Grande’s DNA,” said Bell. Gessner will work alongside Bell for the remainder of 2019 and will assume the helm in early 2020.

“Arien is a proven leader with business vision and the ability to bring people together. His vision and energy will be invaluable to our leadership team and our company as we continue our next chapters of product innovation and legendary customer service,” said Molly Bell, executive vice president.

“The entire leadership team participated in a thoughtful approach in determining Alan’s successor, a careful process that our customers, partners and employees expected and deserved. As Alan plans for retirement in 2020 and I am just a few years behind him, Arien’s transition to this role provides a sound and exciting long-term plan for the future,” Molly Bell said.

Rio Grande’s executive team also includes Danny Cox, Mike Quinn, Nora Kennedy and Mark Weber.

Founded in 1944 by Saul Bell, Rio Grande is a supplier serving jewelers worldwide.

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.”