WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
MajorsJul 17, 2017
Mark Light Retiring, Signet Appoints First Female CEO
Light will retire at the end of the month and be succeeded by Virginia “Gina” C. Drosos, a former biotech executive who has been on the company’s board since 2012.
Virginia “Gina” C. Drosos, the former CEO of Assurex Health and a Signet board member since 2012, has been named the new CEO of Signet Jewelers Ltd., succeeding the retiring Mark Light.
Akron, Ohio--Signet Jewelers Ltd. announced Monday that longtime executive and current CEO Mark Light will retire at the end of the month and be succeeded by Virginia “Gina” C. Drosos, a former biotech executive who has been on the company’s board since 2012.
The 55-year-old Light has spent his entire career at Signet and has been its CEO since 2014.
Prior to becoming CEO, Light was Signet’s president and chief operating officer and, before that, headed the company’s Sterling Jewelers division, the arm of Signet that includes the Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry chains.
He is set to retire on July 31. Drosos will take over as CEO on Aug. 1.
Signet said Monday that Light is retiring due to health reasons.
His retirement comes at a time when the retailer’s sales are slumping and many longtime executives are leaving the company as its works to adjust to the changes in retail and improve its digital capabilities.
Drosos has been an independent director on Signet’s board since 2012.
She serves on the Compensation, and Nomination and Corporate Governance committees, plus the Customer Experience subcommittee focused on omnichannel strategy and the new Respect in the Workforce committee, formed just this year to “reaffirm” the company’s commitment to equal opportunity after The Washington Post published a damaging story detailing past accounts of sexual harassment and mistreatment of female employees at the company.
Drosos is the first woman to head the retailer, which traces its roots back to 1857 with the opening of the first H. Samuel store.
Prior to her time with Signet, Drosos was the president and CEO of Assurex Health, a Mason, Ohio-based biotech company, and, prior to that, worked as a group president of Global Beauty Care at Procter & Gamble.
At Assurex, she delivered “significant revenue growth” and oversaw the August 2016 sale of the company to Myriad Genetics, leading her to receive the Venture Ohio Exit of the Year, Cincinnati USA Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year and EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
“I am honored to serve as the CEO of Signet and look forward to working with our strong management and team members to deliver our revised 2020 Vision, which is focused on bridal, digital and women’s fashion,” Drosos said in the company release announcing her appointment.
Signet’s announcement that it has a new CEO comes less than a week after another major jewelry retail chain, Tiffany & Co.,
announced a change at the top.
The Latest
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
