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Fourtané Appoints Luxury Watch Veteran Russell Kelly as Chief Operations Officer August 01, 2023 (0 comments)
New York, NY--Fourtané Jewelers has announced the appointment of Russell Kelly as their new Chief Operations Officer. Kelly, a seasoned expert in the luxury watch industry, will take charge immediately, directing the operations and promoting growth at Fourtané's main branch in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
[Image by Fourtané via WWD]
According to a report published in WWD, Kelly expressed his excitement about the role, focusing on enhancing customer service amidst high demand for the exclusive brands represented by Fourtané. According to Kelly, the goal is to provide an unmatched level of service and in-store experience.
Per the report, Kelly embarked on his watch industry journey in 2004 as East Sales Manager for Blancpain. His trajectory continued to rise, becoming U.S. National Sales Director for Vacheron Constantin in 2008. In 2013, Rolex recruited him as Vice President Brand Manager for Tudor Watch USA, pioneering the brand's re-entry into the U.S. market. Most recently, Kelly occupied the position of Chief Commercial Officer for Hodinkee, a premier e-commerce site for luxury timepieces.
The report noted that Josh Bonifas, a member of Fourtané's family ownership and its resident vintage watch expert, expressed his excitement about Kelly joining the team. His expertise and track record in managing digital and commercial operations are set to contribute significantly to Fourtané's growth and service delivery.
Fourtané Jewelers, established in 1950, ranks as a leading retailer of estate jewelry and vintage watches and is an authorized Rolex and Cartier dealer in the U.S. The family business offers a variety of prestigious brands, including Patek Philippe, Tudor, Roberto Coin, Messika, and soon-to-feature Carolina Bucci.
The report highlighted in Kelly's new role, he will supervise a retail expansion into women's fine jewelry slated for later in the year. Kelly revealed plans for a dedicated jewelry space, scheduled to open in October, less than a block from their current location. This move aims to refocus on fine jewelry, the foundation of the business, thereby honoring the brand's roots while embracing the future.
Learn more in the WWD report.