Cameron Gillies is joining the Martin Ross Group as its new president.
Beginning in November, the industry veteran will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company’s divisions, including the fine jewellery brands falling under Master Design, mass-market and independent fine jewellery products, and the fashion jewellery division of Artistic Jewellery. He will also oversee the factory, production, and sales and marketing.
Gillies is currently president of the Allura group of companies. He takes over from the late Varuj Arkarakas, who passed away in June of brain cancer.
“Just as there are differences in diamonds, there are differences in people,” said Allen Shechtman, chief executive officer of the Martin Ross Group. “We had a collector grade in Varuj and we’ve been fortunate to find another collector grade in Cameron—they are both diamonds, just different cuts.
“The untimely passing of Varuj left big shoes to fill. Cameron wears equally big shoes and he will guide and direct the company in an equally positive direction. The corporate mandate remains the same—bringing innovative and quality product, competitive pricing, and dependable service to the customer on a timely basis.”
Gillies began his career in Western Canada at the age of 14 working for a local retailer. In time, he worked his way up to operations manager for the Dales of Edmonton group, where he created new retail brands, engaged in lease negotiations, designed stores, and hired and trained staff. He was also responsible for purchasing, marketing, and advertising.
In 1990, Gillies joined Canadian jewellery manufacturer A&A Jewellers. Over the next 16 years, he got to know the ins and outs of the industry by working with independent and major accounts, as well as hands-on involvement with manufacturing, importing and exporting, human resources, factory management, credit, and collections. Gillies eventually become one of two corporate senior vice-presidents before moving on to Allura International Inc. In 2008, he was named president of Allura’s associated companies.
Gillies will report directly to Shechtman.
