In a significant strategic move poised to propel its ambitious growth trajectory, Laings, the distinguished family-run luxury jewellers with a rich 181-year heritage, proudly announced today (30 September) the formal appointment of a nine-strong Board of Directors. This pivotal decision underscores Laings’ commitment to strengthening its presence across the UK and enhancing its operational framework as it embarks on an exciting new era of expansion and innovation.

Laings Charts Future with Strategic Board Appointments and Ambitious UK Expansion

For over six generations, Laings has stood as a beacon of excellence in the luxury jewellery and watch sector, revered for its unparalleled craftsmanship, curated selection of prestigious brands, and exceptional customer service. As the company continues its journey of evolution, building on a legacy that dates back to 1840, the establishment of a formal Board of Directors is a natural and necessary step to support its extensive transformation plans and reinforce its position as a leading destination for exquisite fine jewellery and luxury watches.

A New Chapter in Leadership: Forging a Robust Future Through Enhanced Governance

The decision to formalise its senior leadership structure comes at a crucial time for Laings, following the introduction of additional departments and the widely anticipated announcement of its £10 million retail expansion strategy earlier this year. This comprehensive restructuring at the senior management level is designed to provide clear lines of responsibility, ensure robust corporate governance, and effectively steer the business through its next phase of development. The Board will play a vital role in guiding the company’s strategic direction, overseeing its ambitious growth initiatives, and maintaining the unwavering standards of quality and service that Laings clients have come to expect.

Joe Walsh, who remains in post as CEO, will continue to focus on driving the overarching strategic vision of the business. His responsibilities also encompass managing key relationships with Laings’ esteemed partners, including world-renowned brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, and overseeing the financial stewardship of the company. Joe’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating Laings through both prosperous times and unprecedented challenges, positioning the company for its current trajectory of growth.

Introducing the Visionaries: A Board Designed for Dynamic Growth and Enduring Values

The newly appointed Board of Directors represents a dynamic blend of internal expertise and strategic leadership, ensuring both continuity with Laings’ deep-rooted heritage and fresh perspectives for future challenges. The appointments reflect a thoughtful approach to leadership, bringing together seasoned professionals with a profound understanding of the luxury retail landscape.

Key Internal Promotions to Director Roles: Expertise Driving Excellence

Laings is proud to announce the promotion of several former Heads of Departments into formal Director roles, recognising their invaluable contributions and leadership:

Colin McCormack, Procurement Director: Colin’s extensive experience will be crucial in ensuring that Laings continues to source only the finest materials and gemstones, upholding the company’s commitment to quality and ethical practices. His role is vital for maintaining robust supply chains and securing exclusive collections that appeal to the discerning luxury consumer.
Sally Pearson (nee Alobaidi), Marketing Director: Sally will lead Laings’ brand strategy, focusing on enhancing its digital footprint, engaging with new generations of luxury clients, and telling the compelling story of Laings’ heritage and craftsmanship. Her expertise will be key in shaping the brand’s identity and communicating its unique value proposition in a competitive market.
Claire Campbell, Finance Director: Claire’s appointment is fundamental to Laings’ financial health and sustainable growth. She will oversee all financial operations, budgeting, and investment strategies, ensuring the fiscal integrity required to support the £10 million expansion plans and other strategic initiatives.
Jill Aniola, HR Director: Jill will be instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence within Laings. Her focus will be on talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement, ensuring that Laings attracts and retains the best professionals in the industry, all of whom are committed to delivering an unparalleled client experience.

Strategic Leadership Appointments: Steering the Course of Luxury Retail

Beyond these pivotal internal promotions, the Board also benefits from the continued expertise of established leaders:

Stuart McDowell, Managing Director: Stuart steps into this crucial new role from his previous position as Retail Director, bringing over 20 years of invaluable experience in the watch and jewellery trade. His expertise spans wholesale operations to exceptional customer service, and he was instrumental in adeptly navigating Laings through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic over the past 18 months. As Managing Director, Stuart will be at the forefront of leading Laings’ next phase of development, collaborating closely with partners and brands to redefine the luxury retail experience while simultaneously fostering significant development opportunities for the entire Laings team. His vision will be central to implementing innovative retail strategies and enhancing client engagement across all showrooms.
Joe Walsh, CEO: As mentioned, Joe’s strategic acumen continues to guide the company’s overarching direction, focusing on high-level partnerships and financial planning that underpin Laings’ ambitious future.
Stuart Laing, Chairman: As Chairman, Stuart Laing provides essential oversight and ensures the continuity of the family’s founding values and long-term vision. His guidance helps to anchor Laings’ identity while embracing progressive strategies.
Wendy Walsh (nee Laing), Director: Wendy’s role as Director reinforces the enduring influence and commitment of the Laing family, contributing to the strategic and ethical governance of the business.
Richard Laing, Sales Director: Richard’s focus remains on driving sales performance and enhancing customer relations. His deep understanding of the market and client preferences is vital for expanding Laings’ reach and ensuring client satisfaction.

Anchored in Heritage, Forging the Future: Laings’ £10 Million Expansion Strategy

The decision to restructure at a senior management level to support Laings’ business development came after the introduction of additional departments, alongside the announcement of its £10m retail expansion strategy earlier this year. With extensive transformation plans already underway across the business, Laings is on a journey of evolution to challenge jewellery and watchmaking retail experiences – bringing innovation to every area of the business, while never forgetting the deep-rooted heritage that anchors the Laings story.

This significant investment is earmarked for the comprehensive transformation of Laings’ showrooms and workshops across its UK locations. The aim is not merely to renovate, but to reimagine the entire customer experience, creating immersive environments that celebrate the artistry of luxury jewellery and watchmaking. At the same time, Laings remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting traditional jewellers’ crafts, ensuring these invaluable skills are passed down and cherished for generations to come. The new Board will be pivotal in overseeing the successful execution of these ambitious projects.

Navigating Challenges: Leadership Through Unprecedented Times

Having been at the helm of the day-to-day management of the business throughout the global pandemic, CEO Joe Walsh expertly navigated Laings through an unprecedented period of uncertainty. Praising the resilience and adaptability of his team, he reflected: “When the pandemic hit, we had to fundamentally change the way we operated in order to steer it through uncharted territory, and our team leaders were at the forefront of this rapid adaptation. Their dedication and flexibility allowed us to continue serving our clients and protect our valued team members during a challenging time for the luxury retail sector globally.”

Joe further elaborated on the strategic necessity of the new board, stating: “Now, as we embark on the next exciting chapter of Laings’ journey, with the highly anticipated relaunch of our Cardiff showroom on the horizon, it is imperative that we adjust the way we work. This means establishing clear lines of responsibility, ensuring we comply fully with the highest standards of corporate governance, and most importantly, guaranteeing that we remain robust and resilient for the future. The appointment of a formal Board is not just fitting for a business of our size and ambition; it is absolutely essential. This Board will provide invaluable support and strategic direction as we continue to roll out our extensive expansion plans over the next 18 months, ensuring every decision aligns with our long-term vision and commitment to excellence.”

Enhancing the Customer Journey: A Unified and Exceptional Retail Experience

In addition to the Board appointments, Laings has also announced another key leadership transition that will significantly impact the client experience across its retail network. Brian Nelson, formerly the highly respected Laings Edinburgh Manager, will move into the crucial new role of Head of Retail. In this expanded capacity, Brian will assume comprehensive responsibility for all six of Laings’ showrooms, strategically located across four key cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton, and Cardiff.

Brian’s appointment is designed to ensure a consistently exceptional and unified luxury retail experience across all Laings locations. His leadership will be instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of service, showroom presentation, and client engagement. Under his guidance, Laings aims to provide a seamless and memorable journey for every client, whether they are exploring a curated selection of fine jewellery, discovering a prestigious timepiece from brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe, or consulting with the in-house team for bespoke design or repair services.

The Laings Legacy: Six Generations of Unrivalled Craftsmanship and Service

Through six illustrious generations of continuous family ownership and dedication, Laings has evolved from a humble Scottish jeweller into a truly leading independent luxury jeweller within the UK. This enduring legacy is built upon an unwavering commitment to offering a meticulously curated selection of the world’s most exquisite fine jewellery and watches. Clients can explore stunning collections from renowned brands, alongside unique, bespoke design and expert repair services provided by Laings’ celebrated in-house team of master watchmakers, goldsmiths, and jewellery designers.

This profound expertise, passed down through generations, is a cornerstone of the Laings experience. The in-house workshops are hives of activity, where traditional techniques meet contemporary innovation, ensuring every piece that leaves a Laings showroom is of the utmost quality and precision. This blend of heritage and forward-thinking is precisely what defines Laings in the luxury market.

A Glimpse into Tomorrow: Where Innovation Meets Enduring Tradition

Having unveiled its ambitious vision for the future earlier this year, Laings has a number of transformative projects actively in the pipeline. These initiatives will see the complete revitalisation of its showrooms and workshops, reimagining the customer experience to make it even more engaging, personal, and luxurious. The overarching goal is to create spaces that not only showcase exceptional products but also tell the story of their creation and the passion behind them.

Crucially, while embracing innovation and modernity, Laings is deeply committed to ensuring that traditional jewellers’ crafts and the art of watchmaking are not only kept alive but continue to thrive and inspire for generations to come. The new Board of Directors will play a pivotal role in ensuring that this delicate balance between progress and preservation is meticulously maintained, guiding Laings towards a future that honors its past while boldly embracing new horizons in luxury retail.

With a strengthened leadership team, a clear strategic direction, and a steadfast commitment to both its rich heritage and ambitious future, Laings is exceptionally well-positioned to continue its legacy as a premier destination for luxury jewellery and watches in the UK and beyond. This new chapter promises enhanced experiences for clients, exciting opportunities for staff, and sustained growth for this venerable institution.