Jackson assumes role of president & CEO as founder becomes chairman
LAFAYETTE, La. (March 28, 2011) – Stuller, Inc., the largest jewelry manufacturer in North America, has awarded promotions and has created new strategic positions at its global headquarters, in order to continue to be the fastest, most reliable supplier of quality, value-added products for the jewelry industry.
Most notably, Chief Operating Officer Jay Jackson has been named president and CEO, allowing company founder Matthew Stuller to return to the position of chairman. Matthew Stuller has been acting temporarily as president since the retirement of Charles D. “Chuck” Lein in January 2009.
Additionally, Danny Clark and Coby Blanchard embark on new roles as executive vice presidents, Harold Dupuy as vice president and Grady Quebedeaux is promoted as an executive director. The series of new appointments among upper management reflects the company’s redoubled focus on strategic analysis of the jewelry market.
“Big challenges often call for big changes in leadership,” says Matthew Stuller. “Each interaction must possess a special and unique experience to achieve our highest goal of creating the unexplainable feeling of the ‘wow’ moment, putting the customer first. It must be, and is, a way of life at Stuller.”
Jay Jackson will retain his role as chief operating officer concurrent with his new responsibilities of president and CEO. Jackson 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 Mr. Stuller. “I am absolutely certain he is the right leader to ensure the ultimate satisfaction of our customers.”
Harold Dupuy has been named to the newly created position of vice president of strategic analysis where he is charged with obtaining and analyzing critical information on marketplace behaviors. Dupuy most recently served as chief merchandising officer.
Danny Clark is now chief merchandising officer, succeeding Dupuy. In his new role, Danny 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.
Coby Blanchard 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.
Grady Quebedeaux assumes the newly created role of executive director of information technology where, along with chief technology officer Carol Skarlat, he will lead Stuller’s strategic and operational IT planning, prioritizing IT initiatives and coordinating the deployment and management of IT systems. During his 25-year tenure with Stuller, Grady most recently served as director of sales and distribution systems development.
Stuller, Inc., is headquartered in Lafayette, La., and was founded by Matthew Stuller in 1970. With a 40-year history, the DTC Sightholder provides a wide range of goods and services for jewelry professionals and is committed to making the customer the hero. Stuller’s core product categories include: diamonds, gemstones, finished jewelry, mountings, findings, bridal jewelry, fabricated metals, tools and supplies.
Retailers-
For more information, please contact our friendly sales department at 800.877.7777 or via email at info@stuller.com.