Craig Miller – who is a member of the family that founded Miller Diamonds, the previous owner of Passion8 – will not only serve as brand manager for the diamond range but also Showcase diamond buyer. Miller was the sales director at the now defunct Miller Diamonds.
Acting Showcase CEO Carson Webb said the appointment came about at a good time for both parties.
“He [Miller] was looking for a new challenge and direction, and we approached him as we were looking for these types of skill sets to help drive our internal strategies for members,” he explained.
Webb added that while Miller possessed industry knowledge and experience, it was his passion for people and training abilities that were key factors in his appointment.
“It’s rare to be able to take the technical skills and knowledge and create an energetic platform that helps train people at all the various levels of experience in the retail stores,” he said.
Miller, who began in his role last week, told Jeweller that although Showcase had always had a strong focus on diamonds and diamond jewellery, his role would be “to develop and continue to grow this category utilising our relationships with our local suppliers”.
“I have been involved within the diamond industry my whole life and I am delighted to be working with Showcase. I can now immerse myself in the opportunity to take my experience direct to our members, working together to grow our diamond businesses,” he added.
As previously reported by Jeweller, Showcase finalised the Passion8 acquisition with the Miller Diamonds’ liquidator on 29 August 2014.
Miller Diamonds was well-known for the Passion8 range of diamonds, which was launched in 2001, as well as for the Passion8-branded jewellery it launched in 2011. The business was placed into voluntary liquidation in July this year.
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