Jewelers of America Appoints Robert Headley as COO

Jewelers of America (JA) has named Robert Headley as its first chief operating officer, effective February 23. The organization says the position has been established as part of its three-year strategic plan, which was adopted by its board of directors in 2008.

As COO, Headley, who joined JA after 20 years with Tiffany & Co., serves as Jewelers of America’s internal leader, reporting to President and CEO Matthew A. Runci. With Runci, he is responsible for developing JA's overall vision. He will integrate the association’s strategic plan with ongoing operations.

Headley is a formal naval officer. At Tiffany & Co. he served as vice president of Technical Services and directed quality assurance and manufacturing administration

The new COO currently serves as co-chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Standards Committee. He will also continue his board service, now representing Jewelers of America, with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America.

Jewelers of America is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace.