Whitehall appoints new CEO

Whitehall Jewelers Holdings, Inc., a leading national specialty retailer of fine jewelry, announced today that Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Edward Dayoob will retire from his post as CEO, while remaining actively involved as the Chairman of the Board and as a consultant to the Company advising on merchandising and operations strategy. President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Don will assume the role of CEO of Whitehall Jewelers as well, effective April 30. No other changes in the Company’s management team are planned.

Mr. Dayoob commented, Mike has exhibited strong leadership and is well suited to take over as the CEO of Whitehall. Mike and I have worked together for more than 15 years and his deep industry experience and his exposure to all aspects of Whitehall’s operations in his roles as chief financial officer and then as chief operating officer, gives him a unique perspective, and will ensure a smooth transition.

Mr. Dayoob continued, I was asked to come to Whitehall to re-establish the Company’s direction, and hire a top quality team that could grow the Company. I am pleased to have completed these tasks and look forward to my ongoing involvement as Chairman and advisor to the Company in key areas including vendor relationships.

Mr. Don said, I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead a very talented and committed team to move the company toward consistent, profitable growth. I am pleased that we will be able to continue to benefit from Ed’s insights and industry savvy.

Mr. Don joined Whitehall as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in November 2006 and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2007. In his prior employments, Mr. Don served in the capacities of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Don was Chief Executive Officer of Fred Meyer Jewelers from 1995 to 2000 after holding various positions within Fred Meyer, Inc. (the parent company for Fred Meyer Jewelers), including Vice President of Real Estate and Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning. Mr. Don was also the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Columbia Distributing Company, a $500 million multi-state beverage distribution company.

Source : http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080430/20080430006446.html?.v=1

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