Laings appoints new operations director

Luxury family-run jewellers Laings has announced the appointment of a new board member in a move designed to further strengthen its overall operations.

Kat Barron has been promoted to operations director at Laings and appointed to the board following an exceptional year of investment ensuing eight years of service at Laings.

Barron brings a “wealth” of organisational and project delivery experience to the role, she recently supported the Scottish jewellery business through a period of significant growth, including a £10m investment into expanding and enhancing its UK store estate.

Having joined the business in 2016 as store manager in Edinburgh, Barron quickly progressed into an operational role, where she took on responsibility for store project delivery and the management of property, administrative and IT elements of the business.

The appointment closely follows the recent opening of Laings’ brand-new flagship store earlier this month, bringing two floors of retail space within a stunning interior located within Glasgow’s iconic Rowan House.

The opening saw all existing members of staff transition across to the new store, with an additional four roles created.

Joe Walsh, chief executive at Laings, said: “Kat has shown an incredible ability to effectively manage multiple major projects across our UK estate, including the expansion of our Cardiff showroom, the opening of three mono-brand boutiques, our Southampton store move and just recently, the flawless execution of our relocation and launch of our brand new Glasgow flagship store. Her hard work, commitment to the business and the contribution she has made, is testament to her fantastic character and unrivalled skillset.

“We are proud to welcome Kat to the board and into the role of operations director. We look forward to her continued contribution as we focus on further strengthening our business.”

On her new role, Barron added: “It is great to be recognised in this way and I am very excited to be joining the board following such a transitional phase of change and growth at Laings. I’m privileged to work in a business that is as focused on its people as it is the products and I’m looking forward to a future of longevity and further success at Laings.”