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Circa brings founder back as president
Circa, a New York-based buyer of fine jewelry and watches, has announced that founder Richard Tilles is returning to the company as the new president of its Core division.
New York--Circa, a New York-based buyer of fine jewelry and watches, has announced that founder Richard Tilles is returning to the company as the new president of its Core division.
In the role, Tilles will oversee all buying and selling of pre-owned jewelry, watches and gemstones, as well as the day-to-day management of Circa’s 13 buying offices across the United States, Europe and Asia.
He has more than 20 years of experience managing and operating business in the pre-owned jewelry market, and was the founding member of Circa more than a decade ago.
Tilles most recently served as the president of Richard Tilles Inc., a company that also was involved primarily in buying and selling previously-owned jewelry.
“We are thrilled to have convinced Richard to return to Circa and assume the role of president of our Core division,” said CEO Laurence Grunstein, the former head of Citizen in the U.S. who was hired by Circa in November. “Richard’s role in creating Circa in 2001 and elevating the entire experience for a consumer who wishes to sell their precious jewelry fundamentally changed this segment of the jewelry industry and set CIRCA apart. Richard has a proven track record in this business and is highly regarded by his peers and competitors for his ability and integrity.”
Circa was established in 2001 and buys pre-owned jewelry, loose diamonds, and watches at its global offices. It currently is backed by Winona Capital Management LLC, which sunk $13 million into the company in 2011.
Last March, Circa acquired Portero.com, an online retailer of authenticated, previously owned luxury items including fine jewelry.
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