The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has appointed Terry Boot to the role of chief executive officer. Boot has been acting as interim chief executive to the buying group for the last six months, since the departure of Willie Hamilton at the end of July 2017. During this time, Boot has worked closely with the…
EXCLUSIVE: CMJ chairman promises to put members first as it re-focuses on core values
A root and branch review into the businesses of The Company of Master Jewellers will be completed in time for discussion at a board meeting next month. The review, which is being conducted by independent audit and accountancy firm Mazars, will be added to the views of CMJ members and suppliers that were canvassed at…
CMJ gears up for first AGM since Willie Hamilton’s departure
The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) is gearing up for its first AGM meeting since chief executive officer of 10 years, Willie Hamilton, resigned. The summer buying meeting is always a crucial time for the CMJ as it is the first opportunity for members to come together after the financial report of the previous year…
“CMJ is not in turmoil, it’s in a transition,” states former chairman
Stephen Hughes, the former chairman of the Company of Master Jewellers, says the buying group is not in turmoil, it’s in a transition. Hughes, who resigned from his position as chairman of the CMJ in June, is optimistic for the group’s future, stating that Hamilton has secured deals which will see the CMJ return to…
Former Pandora president praises contribution of Willie Hamilton’s CMJ
Peter Andersen, who resigned as president of Western Europe for Pandora in October last year, has said that the first year of working with The Company of Master Jewellers was crucial in the development of the brand in the UK. Pandora was successfully established in the UK by Darren McCormick Jewellery in the noughties, but…
Willie Hamilton is going to be a “difficult act to follow”
Former director of the Company of Master Jewellers, Judith Hart, says whomever succeeds Willie Hamilton as the groups’ chief exec is going to find he is a difficult act to follow. Talking exclusively to Professional Jeweller, Hart comments: “As a member I can only hope that the new board of directors are aware of the…
“Hamilton has left the CMJ in a strong position,” says Rigby director
Jason Rigby, director of Rigby Jewellers in Chester, says Willie Hamilton has left the Company of Master Jewellers in good shape. While change may present challenge in the short term, Rigby says Hamilton has “left the CMJ in a strong position and well placed to continue”. “Who knows what opportunities lie ahead,” Rigby says, adding:…
Prestons MD stunned by Willie Hamilton resignation
Karl Massey, managing director of Prestons, says that he was totally shocked to learn that The Company of Master Jewellers chief executive Willie Hamilton had resigned. “Willie is the CMJ,” he reveals to Professional Jeweller, adding: “I only joined because he kept selling me the idea, and I’m glad I did because it helped me get Pandora.”…
OPINION: Why Willie Hamilton should get a hero’s send-off
A column by Professional Jeweller and WatchPro managing director, Rob Corder. Calls first started coming into Professional Jeweller and WatchPro two weeks ago about trouble at The Company Master Jewellers and its chief executive of the past decade, Willie Hamilton. These types of rumours are commonplace ahead of the summer buying meeting, which takes place…
Willie Hamilton resigns as CEO of CMJ
The Company of Master Jewellers was in lockdown today as news that Willie Hamilton, the buying group’s flamboyant chief executive, had resigned. Members were informed about the abrupt departure this morning. One told Professional Jeweller that today was Mr Hamilton’s last day. Other board members said all questions should be put to The CMJ’s chairman…
