Appointments: Tourneau names new CEO

New York--Ira Melnitsky has been appointed CEO of Tourneau, succeeding James Seuss who left the company last year to serve as CEO and global president of Hunter Boots.

His appointment is effective Oct. 16.

Melnitsky most recently served as president of LF USA’s home and better handbag division. Prior to that, he was president and chief merchandising officer at members-only discount e-tailer Rue La La and also served as executive vice president of sales and merchandising at Tumi and Ferragamo USA.

Melnitksy’s first position was as an accessories buyer for Lord & Taylor.


The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) recently elected a president and seven directors to its 2014 board.

They are Ruben Bindra of B&B Fine Gems Inc., who will serve as president; Pramod Agrawal of Shanu Gems Inc.; Bill Heher of Rare Earth Mining Co. Inc.; Gina Latendresse of American Pearl Company Inc.; Gerry Manning of Manning International; Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems Inc.; Simon Watt of Mayer & Watt; and Larry Woods of Jewels from the Woods.

They will begin their terms immediately following the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson board meeting.


Adam Bernhard has stepped down from the role of CEO of HauteLook, a flash-sale site owned by Nordstrom Inc. As founder of the site, he will continue with the company in an advisory capacity.

No replacement for the CEO position will be sought, Nordstrom said, as HauteLook President Terry Boyle will lead the business.

Boyle began his career with HauteLook in 2008 as chief operating officer and chief financial officer and has led the business through significant growth, Nordstrom said.


Adam Gurian is the new executive vice president of global sales at Frederick Goldman Inc.
 
Gurian joins the company after 17 years at the Timex Group, where he most recently served as president of the Timex Business Unit. Prior to that, he held various sales, brand management and operational roles within the company.

He also held merchant positions at Macy’s and May Company.


Jennifer Treese Wilson is now corporate counsel at the Gemological Institute of America, where she initially will support the organization’s global education programs.

Wilson has more than 15 years of experience in the international nonprofit education sector, including 14 years with Alliant International University, most recently serving as vice president for administration and general counsel.

She also has more than 10 years of experience as an associate and