Jo Tory
In practice, the role of the JAA Board, including governance, direction and monitoring the association’s business affairs and operation, occurs across two broad areas. The first, organisational performance, ensures the development and implementation of strategy and support policies are created to fulfil objectives set out in the constitution. The second, compliance, ensures the association develops and implements systems, processes, and procedures to enable compliance with legal, regulatory and industry obligations. As well as ensuing the association’s assets and operations are not exposed to undue risks. The Board must balance these roles and give appropriate attention to both.
This year we welcome two new directors to the JAA Board. These two positions have become available due to a vacancy left when George Proszkowiec departed in September 2019 for personal reasons, and from the recent resignation of Karen Lindley.
Joshua Sharp joins the Board having been at the helm as the general manager of Ian Sharp Jewellery (South Yarra, Victoria) for the past 13 years, where his focus has been in business operations and finance. His jewellery specialties within the business include diamonds and second-hand jewellery. Joshua also comes to the Board with a strong background having previously worked in banking and finance.
With over 30 years of dedication to the Australian jewellery industry, Karen Denaro enters her Board position as the owner and managing director of Brilliamo Designer Jeweller and designer at Denaro Designs (Rhodes, NSW). Karen’s expansive experience in all sectors of the industry include retail, wholesale, manufacturing, design and product development, buying/sourcing, marketing, and branding. She is also skilled in diamond grading, gem identification, trend analysis and forecasting. Additionally, her experience extends to media and she has a passion for working with SMEs and start-up businesses.
The continuing directors and I are thrilled to have these two new enthusiastic directors join the Board. They bring a varying degree of experience and knowledge, both in and outside of the jewellery industry, which is imperative to ensuring the longevity of an organisation such as the JAA. We look forward to their considered input and valued contribution.
JAA veteran, Karen Lindley departed the Board at the end of 2020. Karen’s departure comes due to a significant ongoing commitment outside of the jewellery industry. Karen first served on the JAA Board in 2004 to 2006 and again from 2016 to 2020. Karen’s commitment and dedication to the JAA and jewellery industry has been invaluable, and we sincerely thank her for her extensive service.
It is with a heavy heart we farewell Karen Lindley from the Board – she has always held a strong passion for the JAA and the work it does for the industry. She will be missed but myself and Board wish her all the best for her future endeavours.
The remaining Board directors include myself, owner and managing director of silver jewellery house, Najo; Emily Crews, head of synchronisation and licensing at Warner Music Australia; Ronnie Bauer, director of Klepner’s, Melbourne CBD’s oldest antique jeweller; and Cameron Marks, managing director of Percy Marks, established in 1899.
As always, we welcome industry to get in contact with directors of the Board to discuss any matters you feel that the JAA should be aware of or can assist with. Industry’s engagement with the JAA and Board directors is essential to the Association delivering programs and support to the jewellery industry, to ensure a prosperous and fair business arena.
Happy trading!
