George Proszkowiec, chairman of the Showcase Jewellers buying group, was elected by the JAA National Industry Advisory Council (NIAC) to fill the role of retail category director. He will replace outgoing retail category director and Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) representative Ronnie Bauer.
Proszkowiec has been a director on the JAA’s existing board for three years, having represented the NSW and ACT regions. He also operates jewellery stores Terrace Showcase Jewellers and Enigma Jewellers and has served as a NSW branch director for the National Council of Jewellery Valuers.
“We are very pleased to welcome George onto the board,” JAA president Selwyn Brandt said. “George brings extensive industry knowledge, experience and director qualifications that will be invaluable to the board.”
“We are very pleased to welcome George onto the board,” JAA president Selwyn Brandt said. “George brings extensive industry knowledge, experience and director qualifications that will be invaluable to the board.”
As previously reported by Jeweller, the JAA has announced a number of structural changes this year, including a reduction in board size from 14 members to six.
JAA executive director Amanda Hunter said the new board – effective 1 January 2015 – would assist in guiding the implementation of the strategic plan set by the NIAC, which was also established as part of the restructure.
The new board is said to focus on a skills set model rather than one on geographical and sector representation – as was traditionally the case.
“A skills matrix has been developed to help review the skill set of the board and to assist in ensuring we cover as many business disciplines as possible when co-opting future directors,” Hunter explained.
Other members of the new JAA board include House of Jewellery managing director Selwyn Brandt, Shiels/Grahams Jewellers managing director Toby Bensimon, Peter W Beck marketing manager Laura Sawade and Nationwide Jewellers managing director Colin Pocklington.
Hunter confirmed to Jeweller that she is currently in discussion with these board members on the appointment of a sixth director.
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JAA announces new board members