The World Gold Council has appointed John Calnon as managing director, United States. He succeeds Michael C. Barlerin, who has retired from his position of managing director, Americas.

As part of the changes in the New York office, Rick Bannerot, vice president, U.S. jewelry advertising, has left the organization after four years. Prior to joining WGC, Bannerot spent 12 years at Rolex Watch USA Inc. where he was assistant vice president, advertising and event marketing.

Calnon rejoined WGC as director, international jewelry, in March 2001. He previously worked at QVC where he was vice president of jewelry, having led the electronic retailer to a leadership position in fine-jewelry sales. Prior to joining QVC in 1996, Calnon spent six years with the World Gold Council as director of trade development programs. In his new position, Calnon will direct a three-year strategic program with leading retail partners to increase gold jewelry sales and market share in the U.S.

Michael Barlerin has been the senior WGC executive in the Americas for 16 years, during which time he has played a key role in driving WGC’s programs to increase the demand for gold in all its forms throughout the region. Barlerin joined WGC from American Vision Center, the retail optical chain, where he was president and COO. Before that, he spent seven years with Zale Corp., during which time he held a number of management positions before being appointed senior vice president, director of marketing.