RAPAPORT... Lawrence Hess was appointed by the Plumb Club as the group's first executive director. He will be overseeing the construction of a new Plumb Club Pavilion that will debut at JCK Las Vegas in 2010. In the long term, Hess will develop new and innovative ways to offer the club's membership added value.

Hess, pictured below, has extensive experience in manufacturing, sales, business management, product development and gemstone procurement. His career began at his family's business, Jose Hess Inc., where he eventually became the sales representative for the East Coast and vice president of sales. Jose Hess was then sold to Birks & Mayors, at which time Hess became the project leader for the transition and the new product development manager. In addition, he opened their New York diamond procurement office. He later went on to become vice president of independent sales at Suberi Brothers, LLC.

Victor Weinman, president of the Plumb Club, said, “The club is pleased to have Lawrence as our first executive director. I am confident that under his leadership, the club will be able to offer to its members and the industry many new and innovative programs and events, while meeting the ever-changing needs of our constituency.” 

Hess looks forward to taking on the challenges and responsibilities the role entails. "I consider it an honor and a privilege to work with some of the most successful and influential firms in our industry,” he said. 

LH