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New York, NY—Neal Goldberg, the dynamic former CEO of Zale Corp., died March 17. He was 51.

Goldberg began his retailing career at Bloomingdales in its executive training program, before moving on to a 16-year stint at Macy’s, wherein he served as buyer, store manager, and ultimately senior vice president and general manager at the flagship Herald Square store.

After Macy’s, Goldberg held four executive positions in specialty retailing: senior vice president/chief stores officer at the Victoria’s Secret divison of Limited Brands; president of Gap Inc.’s Outlet Division; president of The Children’s Place Retail Stores Inc.; and finally, CEO and a director of Zale Corp.

His tenure at Zale lasted slightly more than two years, ending in January 2010. During that time, he was a frequent guest speaker at many industry conferences and was known for his outspoken views about about what he saw as outdated practices in the jewelry industry—even including his own company in some of his critiques.

A caring philanthropist, Goldberg served as co-president of the Diamond Empowerment Fund governing board, along with Dr. Benjamin Chavis. Even after leaving his post at Zale--essentially leaving the jewelry industry--he remained committed to DEF's mission of helping fund educational causes in diamond-producing countries of Africa. DEF paid this tribute to him on its website. He also was instrumental in the success of DEF’s two Dallas Rocks fundraising events.

He is survived by his wife, Denise; two sons, Zachary and Max; stepchildren Marinna and Michael; his mother, Rita, and sister Meryl.