DGSE Companies, the metals, jewelry, and coins retailer and wholesaler, has named Matthew M. Peakes chief executive officer, chairman of the board, and president.

Peakes is currently the director of business development for Elemetal, a precious metal refiner and seller that is also DGSE’s largest shareholder. He was previously a vice president at J.P. Morgan.

“We are very excited to embark on a new stage in DGSE’s history under Matt’s leadership,” said C. Brett Burford, chief financial officer and director of DGSE. “Matt was a key member of Elemetal’s management team and led many of their critical projects. Matt brings a wealth of experience, energy, and enthusiasm to DGSE, and we believe he will be an ideal leader to help transform DGSE into a consistently profitable business for our shareholders.”

DGSE’s previous chairman and CEO, James D. “Dusty” Clem, resigned in August after just more than a year in the position to “pursue other opportunities,” according to the company. 

JCK