Hearts On Fire has appointed industry veteran Rebecca Foerster (pictured) as president of its North American division, beginning on May 1.
Formerly known as Chow Tai Fook North America, the new Hearts On Fire North America will encompass the Hearts On Fire and Mémoire brands, as well as Chow Tai Fook’s North American wholesale division. It will continue to be based in Boston.
The news comes less than a month after Foerster left her position heading the U.S. office for Russian diamond miner Alrosa. That office, which would not be allowed to operate under current U.S. sanctions, has since closed.
Foerster has also worked for Rio Tinto Diamonds, Frederick Goldman, and Leo Schachter Diamonds. She has also served as president of Diamonds Do Good.
Foerster replaces Caryl Capeci, who first became president of Hearts on Fire in 2015, and has served as CEO of Chow Tai Fook North America since 2019. Capeci has been with Hearts On Fire since 2007, first joining as chief marketing officer.
Chow Tai Fook, the Chinese jewelry giant, bought Hearts On Fire in 2014.
This is one of a number of changes at the company lately. In February, Peter Smith, who had served as president of Hearts On Fire and Mémoire, left the brand.
“Rebecca Foerster brings with her an in-depth understanding of marketing in the U.S. jewelry business, and will be invaluable in continuing to build upon Hearts On Fire’s business success while driving a competitive advantage for our retail partners,” said Rita Maltez, global president of Hearts On Fire, in a statement.
Maltez also paid tribute to Capeci: “It has been a pleasure working with Caryl. All of us at Hearts On Fire thank Caryl for her dedication, passion, and professionalism and wish her all the best for the future.”
In 2018, Capeci was honored with the Women Jewelry Association’s Visionary award.
(Photo courtesy of Rebecca Foerster)
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