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RAPAPORT... Platinum Guild International (PGI) appointed Huw Daniel as the group's CEO, succeeding James Courage, who will retire from his post at the end of April. While the appointment is immediate, Daniel will assume full responsibility for PGI on April 1. PGI will also relocate its head office from London to Hong Kong with the aim of being fully operational by the summertime.
Andrew Hinkly, the executive head of Platinum Marketing at Anglo Platinum, representing the three sponsors of PGI, said, “The Platinum Guild’s move to Hong Kong and the appointment of Huw Daniel recognizes the importance of platinum jewelry in Asia, along with continuity of leadership from within the PGI. Jewelry represents over a third of total platinum demand and we, as the main producers, recognize the importance of continuing to invest substantially in its future development and to work even more closely with leading retailers and manufacturers in the four PGI markets.” Daniel brings his U.S. platinum knowledge to the role as well as experience working in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region in advertising and marketing. He said, “It’s an honor to be invited to build on James’ outstanding legacy and so exciting to return to Asia at a time when platinum is being embraced by new generations of consumers.” PGI USA appointed Jenny Luker as president effective February 2. Luker joined the company in its Newport Beach, California office in 1995 after completing her post-graduate education. Over the ensuing years, she worked across every function in the company, including marketing, public relations and industry relations. Since 2005, she has served as PGI USA's senior vice president, with a focus on building platinum sales with key strategic partners. Daniel said, “Jenny is loved and respected by the industry and PGI teams in the U.S. and globally and I cannot think of a better person to lead platinum sales to new heights as growth continues to outpace overall jewelry sales in the U.S. I look forward to continuing our close working relationship as Jenny takes the U.S. market to the next level.” Luker said, “I am so honored to take on this new role at such an exciting time in the jewelry business. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with so many passionate and visionary leaders in our industry. I am eager to continue working with the talented and dedicated members of the PGI USA team as we help our industry partners build a more profitable business with platinum.”
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