Stuller COO Jay Jackson has been elevated to president and CEO, and founder Matt Stuller returns to the role of chairman.
Stuller Chief Operating Officer Jay Jackson has been elevated to president and CEO of Stuller Inc., the largest jewelry manufacturing company in North America, allowing founder Matt Stuller to return to the role of chairman. Matt has been acting temporarily as president since the retirement of Chuck Lein in January 2009.
Additionally, Harold Dupuy, Danny Clark and Coby Blanchard were named vice presidents, and Grady Quebedeaux promoted to the newly created role of executive director of IT. Company officials say the series of new appointments among upper management reflects its redoubled focus on strategic analysis of the retail jewelry market. "Big challenges often call for big changes in leadership," Matt says.
Jackson, who retains his role as COO, has more than 15 years' experience managing Stuller's sales, supply chain and manufacturing operations. Jackson joined Stuller in 1996 as vice president of sales and became COO in January 2009. He had previously served Sears for 30 years in its product services division.
"Jay's vision, passion and leadership over the last couple of years are a sign of great things to come," says Matt. "I am absolutely certain he is the right leader to ensure our success."
Other key elevations include:
Dupuy - to the newly created position of vice president of strategic analysis, charged with obtaining and analyzing critical information on marketplace behaviors. Dupuy most recently served as chief merchandising officer.
Clark - to chief merchandising officer, succeeding Dupuy. In his new role, he will formulate, plan, implement and direct merchandising policies and programs, and coordinate merchandising activities, including directing and controlling selection and pricing of merchandise. Clark was formerly chief supply chain officer. He has more than 25 years' experience in operations, merchandising and change management.
Blanchard, who is succeeding Clark as chief supply chain officer where he will provide effective management of Stuller's supply pipeline for raw materials, components and all other necessities required to maintain the just-in-time business model. He most recently served as executive director of production operations. During his 17-year tenure, he has served in several departments including diamonds and gemstones, IT, and supply chain process improvement.
Also, Quebedeaux, the new IT executive director, is working with chief technology officer Carol Skarlat on Stuller's strategic and operational IT planning, prioritizing IT initiatives and coordinating the deployment and management of IT systems. He most recently served as director of sales and distribution systems development.
Founded in 1970 in Lafayette, Stuller's core product categories include diamonds, gemstones, finished jewelry, mountings, findings, bridal jewelry, fabricated metals, and tools and supplies.