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AGS Honors Industry Leaders; Begins Search For Next CEO August 03, 2016 (0 comments)
New York, NY—The American Gem Society’s 16th annual Circle of Distinction Dinner was held Tuesday, July 26, at New York City’s historic Plaza Hotel. The prestigious event celebrated the work of three well-known and highly respected industry professionals. Dione Kenyon, past president of the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), received AGS’ Lifetime Achievement Award, and both Stewart Wicht, president and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc., and Hank Siegel, CGA, president and CEO of Hamilton Jewelers (left), received AGS Triple Zero Awards, named after the highest grade in the AGS diamond grading system.
“Our members, who share the Society’s mission and values, are the stewards of trust,” said Ruth Batson, RJ, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. “I’m proud of each of you, and I’m proud of all the good work AGS has done. Without the AGS, there would be a huge void in our industry.”
“The Circle of Distinction Dinner is particularly meaningful to me because it is the one time of year that our industry comes together to honor the contributions, legacy and hard work of its exceptional leaders,” said Scott Berg, CG, president of the AGS Board of Directors.
Each of the honorees shared stories about their careers, what inspired them personally and professionally, and included heartfelt messages of appreciation.
Hank Siegel, president and CEO of Princeton, NJ-based Hamilton Jewelers, received an AGS Triple Zero Award. “In this industry, relationships matter. I’m very humbled by the honor that accompanies this award. I accept it knowing that these are the relationships my parents taught me about—that my firm, family, and myself have been able to cultivate over so many years,” he said. “You have greatly contributed to our success and to me being here tonight. And for that, I’m most grateful.”
Stewart Wicht, president and CEO of Rolex Watch, U.S.A. Inc., also received a Triple Zero Award. “What the American Gem Society does for the industry as a whole is just amazing, and often very underestimated,” said Wicht. “The people in this room represent the future of this industry.”
Stewart Wicht, center, with Ruth Batson and Scott Berg.
Dione Kenyon, past president of the Jewelers Board of Trade, was this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was instituted to honor those who have made significant contributions to the industry throughout their career.
Dione Kenyon (holding award) with, from left, John Kennedy, president of the Jewelers Security Alliance, Batson, and Berg.
“Everything AGS stands for, centered in its core values of respect, trust, knowledge and maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards throughout the supply chain, are values that resonate strongly with me, and truly are the pillars that support a healthy industry,” said Kenyon, who announced her retirement last year.
Event sponsors included the Julius Klein Group (cocktail reception) and JCK Events (dinner), both of whom have sponsored every Circle of Distinction event since its inception in 2001. This year, Wells Fargo also sponsored the event, below.
Separately, AGS yesterday announced it has begun its search for a new CEO, following an earlier announcement from Batson that she plans to retire next summer.
The AGS board of directors has appointed a committee to lead the search for her replacement. Louis Smith (Smithworks Fine Jewelry) is chairing the committee, comprised of Scott Berg (Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry), Ed Bridge (Ben Bridge Jeweler), John Carter (Jack Lewis Jewelers), Mark Moeller (R.F. Moeller Jeweler), and Yancy Weinrich (JCK Shows).
“Ruth will be a tough act to follow and we appreciate that she has provided ample notice so that we can transition the new CEO under her guidance,” said Smith. “We are giving much thought and consideration to this search process. It’s important that we find someone who is committed to the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories’ mission of consumer protection.”
The position is posted on AGS’s website and other key career sites. AGS and AGS Laboratories have engaged Carlson Beck, a nonprofit executive search firm to aid in the search.
To learn more, contact Sally Carlson, managing partner at Carlson Beck, (415) 433-2299 or sally@carlsonbeck.com. Deadline for submissions is September 9, 2016.