Appointments: Kering moves Sowind CEO to Gucci

Kering announced Friday that Michele Sofisti, currently CEO of Sowind Group, has been appointed CEO of Gucci Watches and Jewelry, effective Oct. 1.

Each company in Kering’s Luxury Watches and Jewelry division, which includes Sowind and Gucci, now will be managed by a dedicated CEO, according to the company. No other details have yet been given by the company about the renewed organizational structure.

Sofisti’s appointment to the new role will be effective Oct. 1. His replacement at Sowind will be named in the coming weeks, Kering said.

Sofisti joined Gucci Group Watches as the strategic advisor in 2009. He was promoted to CEO in 2010 and then was named CEO of the Sowind Group as well in 2011.

The watch and jewelry division is a relatively new development for Kering, which just established it in May, initially leaving each brand under the operational responsibility of their respective CEOs.

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Sterling Jewelers has named Judy Fisher as corporate vice president, merchandising, to replace Dawn McGuire, who retired on May 16 after 25 years with the company.

In her new role, Fisher will oversee all aspects of the Sterling Merchandising Department, comprised of the mall, Jared, regional and outlet channels.

Fisher joined Sterling in 2008 as director for the diamond fashion and ring categories within the Merchandising Mall channel, and also has served as director for the Jared channel and merchandising divisional vice president, overseeing the mall and outlet channels.

In addition, Sterling promoted Ellen Mackenzie-Nutter to divisional vice president, merchandising, to succeed Fisher in the role. In the new position, she will be responsible for the development and execution of top-level business strategies and plans for the company’s mall channel.

Mackenzie-Nutter has been with the company since 1996, holding a number of positions including corporate timepiece buyer, senior buyer diamond fashion and, most recently, director, mall bridal, colored gemstone, and men’s.

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Manfra, Tordella & Brookes Inc. (MTB) has hired Michael Barlerin Associates to provide sales and marketing services for its bullion-based jewelry line and promotional products. The line includes silver and gold ingot pendants, customizable packaged precious metal ingots and a silver calendar positioned for corporate gift-giving.

MTB was founded in 1957 and is