Laurie Hudson has retired as president of Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA, the U.S. marketing arm for the worldwide platinum industry, effective Nov. 1. She has headed the association since it was formed 10 years ago. Until a replacement is selected, PGI USA will be led by Frank Proctor, the group’s vice president.

“After 10 rewarding years working on platinum jewelry promotion, my plan is to take some much-needed time off and to then pursue some exciting new opportunities” next year, Hudson said in a Nov. 13 letter to industry colleagues.

There are no other changes in the 10-member PGI-USA marketing and support staff.

Hudson was appointed in 1992 by London-based PGI to head the new PGI-USA Jewelry Division office, based in Newport Beach, Calif. Prior to that, she was manager of marketing and public relations for the American Gem Society.

Her mission at PGI-USA was to increase awareness of and demand for platinum in America.

A search is under way for Hudson’s replacement, says PGI chief executive officer James Courage. Candidates must have “extensive jewelry industry and/or luxury goods expertise,” and will also “spearhead the U.S. launch of PGI’s new global branding initiative in the summer of 2003,” he adds.

In related news, PGI announced plans to appoint a trade liaison executive who will be based in New York City and report to PGI-USA’s director of trade relations, Jenny Luker. He or she will work with East Coast owners and senior executives of leading manufacturers and retailers to “help develop and provide platinum marketing solutions to better meet the needs of the industry.”