Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> April 10, 2000
BERYL B. RAFF was promoted to President and CEO of Zale Corporation in
September 1999. In July 1998, Ms. Raff was promoted to President and COO
after demonstrating her ability as an outstanding executive and an
exceptional merchant. In July 1997, Ms. Raff was promoted to Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer as a result of her remarkable
leadership in the turnaround of the Zales division over the previous
three years. Ms. Raff joined Zale Corporation in 1994 as President of
the Zales Jewelers division, following a dozen years of progressively
expanding leadership roles in jewelry retailing and more than two
decades of experience in retail merchandising. Her early career includes
merchandising and management positions with the Emporium and Macy's
department stores. In 1991, she was promoted to Senior Vice President of
Macy's East with responsibilities for its jewelry business in a 12-state
region. She was promoted to Group Vice President for Total Jewelry of
Macy's South/Bullock's in 1988 following her promotion to Divisional
Merchandise Manager in 1985. She entered the jewelry business in 1983 at
Macy's New Jersey. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of
Zale Corporation, Ms. Raff also serves on the Board of Directors of
Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Foundation' of America. Profile
Ms. Raff: Zale Corporation is the largest specialty retailer of fine
jewelry in North America. We have over 1,350 stores and the most
