Philadelphia-based jewelry brand Lagos announced yesterday that it’s promoted sales director Diana Nichols to the role of vice president of sales.

Nichols has been with the company since December 2014 and has worked to execute the brand’s strategic sales plan “in select leading luxury retailers,” according to a company statement. She will now be responsible for overseeing all wholesale activities for Lagos.

With the exception of CEO Chris Cullen and founder Steven Lagos, the company’s upper ranks are composed predominantly of female executives. Nichols will be joining fellow VPs Isabelle Scarchilli, vice president of marketing; Amanda Willinger, vice president of PR, digital, and e-commerce; and Kathy Cope, vice president of product development.

The promotion of so many qualified women at a profitable jewelry firm might not feel especially remarkable, but studies show that it’s a rare scenario.

Lagos VPs Diana Nichols, Isabelle Scarchilli, Amanda Willinger, and Kathy Cope (courtesy of Lagos)

Lagos, for one, views its female-heavy ranks as an important point of differentiation and perhaps a secret weapon of sorts. The company emailed journalists this factoid:

“A recent MSCI study showed that more women leaders equals more profit. Companies that had strong female leadership generated a return on equity of 10.1 percent per year vs. 7.4 percent for those without.”

Founder Steven Lagos “gains inspiration for his designs from the strong, smart, and bold women in his life,” according to the statement. “The brand is committed to women’s empowerment in its designs…and its commitment to nurturing female talent from within.”

Lagos is carried in Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom stores, at scores of independent jewelry shops, and at its own branded Philadelphia boutique.

(Top: Photo of Diana Nichols, courtesy of Lagos)

Emili Vesilind

JCK Senior Editor