A New Dawn for an American Icon: David Webb Fortifies Its Legacy with a Powerhouse Leadership Team
In the rarefied world of high jewelry, few names command the same reverence and instant recognition as David Webb. The brand, an emblem of audacious American glamour and sculptural artistry, has long been synonymous with the bold, empowered women who wore its creations—from Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to modern-day icons. Earlier this year, this storied jeweler embarked on a new chapter, entering the portfolio of investment firm Middle West Partners. Now, under the fresh leadership of CEO James Weiss, appointed in January, David Webb is making its most significant strategic move to date: the unveiling of a formidable new leadership team, meticulously assembled through a series of key promotions and strategic new hires.
This is no mere corporate reshuffling. It is a calculated and ambitious declaration of intent. The appointments signal a dual commitment: to fiercely protect the brand’s sacred heritage while aggressively pursuing global growth and a re-imagined client experience. As CEO James Weiss articulated in a statement that serves as the company’s new mission, “My first mission has been to shape the future of David Webb by investing in extraordinary talent. These appointments are just the beginning of a broader vision to elevate every facet of the brand, from our operations to our client experience.” This vision is now taking concrete form, with each new leader bringing a unique and potent blend of experience to the table.
Fortifying the Core: Internal Promotions and Guardians of the Brand
At the heart of this revitalization is a trio of promotions that reward deep-seated brand knowledge and proven expertise.
David Stout, a key figure at David Webb since 2018, ascends from Regional Sales Manager to the pivotal role of Sales Director. This promotion places him at the helm of the brand’s entire global revenue stream. Stout’s responsibility is immense, encompassing the performance of flagship boutiques in New York and Beverly Hills, relationships with elite retail partners, and the cultivation of a global network of private clients. Having spent years immersed in the nuances of the brand, Stout possesses an intimate understanding of what makes a David Webb piece resonate with a collector. His new role will be to translate that unique appeal into a cohesive and dynamic global sales strategy, ensuring that the legacy of Webb’s powerful designs continues to captivate both established and emerging markets.
Stepping into the crucial role of Chief Financial Officer is Jeff Preolo, who has been promoted from Vice President of Finance. Preolo, who joined the company in April 2023, brings a formidable background steeped in the world of high fashion and luxury goods. His tenures at globally recognized brands like Ferragamo, Proenza Schouler, and Lafayette 148 have equipped him with a sophisticated understanding of the financial architecture required to support a premier luxury house. His promotion signals a move to instill a new level of financial rigor and strategic foresight into David Webb’s operations. Preolo will be the architect of the financial roadmap that fuels the brand’s ambitious expansion, managing everything from capital allocation for new boutiques to optimizing the intricate supply chain of a master jeweler.
Perhaps the most poetic and culturally significant promotion is that of Levi Higgs, who is now the Head of Archives and Brand Heritage. Higgs is, in many ways, the soul of the brand’s historical narrative. Having joined in 2013, he began his journey as the company’s archivist and social media manager. In that dual capacity, he accomplished something remarkable: he took the rich, tangible history of David Webb—a treasure trove of over 40,000 original drawings, sketches, and records—and translated it for a digital age. Higgs single-handedly built and curated the brand’s celebrated Instagram feed, transforming it from a simple marketing tool into a vibrant, educational, and visually stunning gallery that tells the story of David Webb one masterpiece at a time. His new, elevated title acknowledges that his role is not merely custodial; it is foundational. He is the guardian of the brand’s DNA, ensuring that every new design, every marketing campaign, and every client interaction is anchored in the authentic, trailblazing spirit of its founder.
Strategic Expansion: New Talent to Conquer New Frontiers
To complement this strong internal core, David Webb has brought in a cadre of seasoned experts to spearhead growth in key domestic and international markets.
The brand has made a significant investment in its West Coast presence by appointing two highly experienced professionals. Meredith Austin Brown joins as Regional Sales Manager for the West Coast. Her resume reads like a who’s who of legendary jewelry houses, with invaluable experience gained at Tiffany & Co., Martin Katz, and Harry Winston. Brown brings a deep understanding of the high-net-worth clientele in California and an instinct for the ultra-luxury market. She will be the face of sales in a region synonymous with celebrity culture and sophisticated taste.
Working in tandem with her is Lindsey Klonoski, appointed as Regional Operations Manager for the West Coast. Klonoski comes from a nine-year tenure as the boutique director for the influential Los Angeles retailer Broken English. Her expertise is in the nuts and bolts of running a successful luxury boutique—from clienteling and inventory management to creating an impeccable in-store environment. Together, Brown and Klonoski form a powerful duo poised to elevate David Webb’s Beverly Hills flagship and capture a greater share of this critical market.
Looking to another vital American luxury hub, Lori Prestridge has been tapped as Regional Sales Manager for Texas. Prestridge brings an unparalleled depth of regional expertise, having spent 24 years at Neiman Marcus. For nearly a quarter of a century, she built relationships and catered to the tastes of one of the most discerning and loyal luxury clienteles in the country. Her intimate knowledge of the Texas market and her deep-rooted connections make her an invaluable asset as David Webb seeks to strengthen its presence in the Lone Star State.
Further bolstering the on-the-ground sales force, Barry Selnick has been appointed Sales Adviser for California. Selnick is a veteran of the highest order, bringing a staggering 29-year career selling fine jewelry for Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. His role as an adviser underscores the brand’s commitment to the art of personal connection and high-touch service. He represents the kind of seasoned expertise that builds multi-generational client loyalty.
Global Vision and Operational Excellence
Tying these strategic sales initiatives together is David Benavides, who joins the brand as Head of Revenue Operations. This role is the critical link between strategy and execution. Benavides will be responsible for creating the systems, processes, and analytics that will power the entire sales organization. His background is perfectly suited for the task, having served as Vice President of Retail for Rhone and, most notably, as Director of Global Sales and Strategy for jewelry powerhouse David Yurman. His experience at a direct competitor of comparable scale will be instrumental in modernizing David Webb’s operational infrastructure for a new era of growth.
Finally, in its most significant international move, the company has named Amber Ahmed the General Manager of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. Based in the global luxury hub of Dubai, Ahmed’s appointment is a clear signal of David Webb’s global ambitions. The MENA region represents a tremendous opportunity, with a sophisticated and knowledgeable client base that appreciates bold design and superlative craftsmanship. Ahmed will be tasked with building the brand’s presence from the ground up in this dynamic market, navigating its unique cultural and business landscape to establish David Webb as a dominant force in the region.
In totality, these appointments represent a masterfully orchestrated strategy. By promoting from within, James Weiss and Middle West Partners have secured the brand’s institutional memory and creative soul. By recruiting top-tier talent from the world’s most respected luxury, fashion, and jewelry institutions, they have injected new energy, new strategies, and a global perspective into the company. It is a fusion of heritage and ambition—a clear message to the world that the house that David Webb built is not just preserving its legacy, but is actively forging a brilliant, and even more dazzling, future.
