Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
Tiffany & Co. Board Gets an Overhaul
The jeweler has added three retail veterans to its board while announcing that three current directors won’t be up for re-election in 2017 and 2018.
New York--Grappling with sliding sales and on the hunt for a new leader, Tiffany & Co. has struck a deal with activist investor Jana Partners LLC to appoint three new directors to its board.
Former Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani joins Roger Farah and James Lillie on the board, which is expanding from 10 to 13. Their appointments will be effective no later than March 6.
Founded in 2001 by Barry Rosenstein, Jana Partners is an investment firm that sinks money into “companies undergoing or expected to undergo change.” Together with Trapani, they now own about 5 percent of Tiffany’s outstanding stock.
Trapani also is joining the search committee formed by the board to replace recently resigned CEO Frederic Cumenal, as well as the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee, Tiffany said.
Former Tiffany CEO and current board Chairman Michael Kowalski is acting as interim CEO while the jeweler searches for a permanent replacement for Cumenal.
Trapani, 59, spent 27 years at the helm of Bulgari, from 1984 until its acquisition by LVMH in 2011. When LVMH acquired the brand, he became chairman and CEO of LVMH’s watches and jewelry division.
Farah, 64, is the co-CEO and a board member of Tory Burch LLC, and he has more than 40 years of experience in the lifestyle products and retailing sectors.
Lillie, 55, is the former CEO of Jarden Corp., a consumer products company that owned brands like Yankee Candle, Sunbeam, Mr. Coffee and Coleman. He has more than 20 years of experience in consumer products.
Both Trapani and Lillie were at the head of their respective companies when they were acquired-- Trapani’s Bulgari by LVMH and Lillie’s Jarden Corp. by Newell Rubbermaid--reigniting talk that Tiffany could be the takeover target of a luxury conglomerate like LVMH, Kering or Richemont.
In the same press release announcing the additions to its board, Tiffany also said it now will be “limiting” waivers of the retirement age provisions in its governance documents.
This means that in accordance with the company’s mandatory retirement age (74), there will be one director who won’t stand for re-election this year and two who won’t in 2018.
Tiffany did not specify which board members would be retiring but, according to the company’s website, these are the three oldest board members: Peter May, 73; Charles Marquis, 73; and Gary Costley, 72.
Tiffany’s Vice President of Investor Relations Mark Aaron said he cannot say at this time if these
The Latest
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.