David Yurman has appointed longtime company veteran Carol Pennelli to the position of president.

Pennelli (pictured) will oversee all functions of the New York City-based jewelry company other than design and creative. She reports to namesake and cofounder David Yurman, who remains chairman and CEO of the brand.

Pennelli has worked at David Yurman for more than 15 years in various roles. She most recently served as the company’s chief commercial officer, in which she oversaw the company’s commercial channels, profit and loss, and general performance including its retail, wholesale, and digital businesses. Prior to joining David Yurman, she served as senior vice president of sales, education, and global special events at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

The announcement suggests that Yurman, the brand’s namesake and creative visionary, intends to remain in the CEO role. He has tried to bring on board several CEOs in recent years, including former Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana president Gabriella Forte and former Urban Outfitters CEO Glen Senk. Each lasted about two years.

Pennelli said in a statement she is honored to head “David Yurman as this dynamic American brand evolves into a truly global organization. Working closely with David, [wife] Sybil, and [son] Evan, I look forward to fostering an environment that seamlessly unites functions, while elevating the innovative and entrepreneurial DNA of David Yurman.”

Yurman added: “Since Carol joined our company over 15 years ago, we have transformed from a wholesale company to a dynamic global omnichannel organization.”

Last month, at JCK Tucson 2018, David and Sybil Yurman gave a special presentation on the lessons they have learned during their career. Cofounder Sybil Yurman also spoke to JCK’s Emili Vesilind in May 2017 about her brand’s success and its support for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

(Photo by Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images, courtesy of David Yurman)

Rob Bates

JCK News Director