Yakup Tecimer of Tecimer Jewellery has been appointed chair of the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) for 2013-2014.
A fourth-generation jeweller, Yakup is a veteran of the board, previously serving as its treasurer and working closely with CJA directors on various committees, including chairing the Investment and Audit Committee. He is currently part of the Jewellers Advisory Council to Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., a supporter of Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC), a member of the Canadian Jewellers 24 Karat Club, and a member of the Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA).
“We are honoured and privileged to have Yakup help set the direction during his term as the new chair of the Canadian Jewellers Association,” said CJA president and chief executive officer (CEO), J. David Ritter.
“His dedication and professionalism in the Canadian jewellery industry has helped provide our association with a strong foundation for the future.”
Yakup is director of operations in the family business, a wholesaler of fine gold and silver jewellery based in Toronto and founded in 1976. The company is a supplier to the Canadian Jewellery Group and the DiGem Group. With roots in the industry dating back to 1890, the Tecimer family has been active in the jewellery manufacturing, retail, and wholesale sectors in both Canada and Europe.
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Yakup has been an integral part of the day-to-day operations at Tecimer Jewellery for the past 20 years.
“As chair, I am excited to continue working with the board of directors and staff at the Canadian Jewellers Association and to help grow the Canadian jewellery industry,” Yakup said.
“My primary objective is to let jewellers across Canada know this organization is here to address their concerns and suggestions, and to work toward achieving a strong and unified industry. I believe that better communication leads to improved government and industry relations, ethical and social responsibility, education, and member benefits.”
In related news, the CJA board of directors elected for the 2013-2014 term of office are:
• past chair”“Kim Markwart, Markwart Jewellers, Tisdale, Sask;
• first vice-chair”“Tanya Parrish, Canadian Gem, Montreal;
• second vice-chair”“Darren Dubrovsky, Empress, Montreal;
• treasurer”“Geoffrey Beattie of Barclay’s Fine Custom Jewellers, Victoria;
• J. David Ritter, CJA president and CEO, Toronto;
• Troy Calder, Charm Jewelry Ltd., Dartmouth, N.S.;
• Mo Charania, Jubilee Fine Jewellers, Ottawa;
• Stephen Cole, Spicer Cole Fine Jewellers, Fredericton;
• Sonja Sanders, Jewellery by Sanders Inc., Oshawa, Ont;
• Umesh Shah, Vandan Associates Inc., Toronto; and
• Albert Wizman, Wizman Gems Int’l Ltd., Toronto.
