Pamela Bernstein-Gulla

COO and Principal Consultant

Which country do you live in?
United States

When did you join Hill & Co.?
February 2017

How many years have you worked in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry?
40

Background and experience

My expertise has been honed from years of experience in luxury retail and e-commerce and I bring a diverse set of skills to Hill & Co.

Before joining the team, I had a significant tenure at Fortunoff in NYC, serving 25 years including as Vice President and General Manager at the Fifth Avenue flagship store.

I managed a large team, oversaw critical operations like hiring, training, budgeting, and inventory, and tailored experiences for high-net-worth clients, designing custom jewelry pieces.

In my subsequent role at Plukka (USA) Inc. from 2012-2016, I established the North American wing of this Hong Kong-based e-commerce fine jewelry start-up. My responsibilities encompassed overall operations: staffing, sales, marketing, public relations. I developed SOPs, managed inventory, and handled online transactions and trunk shows.

I spearheaded boutique launches in Hong Kong and NY, drove US brand recognition and engaged in extensive promotional activities, social media and advertising, playing a pivotal role in optimizing the company's web presence and SEO.

Skills and specialisms

· Client engagement and operational efficiency, particularly in retail and manufacturing sectors.

· Training client staff across various levels, including operations, sales, and management along with web development.

· Developing and implementing comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) has proven instrumental in streamlining processes for sales staff, social media managers, and store and management operations.

· Leveraging social media platforms: critical for enhancing brand presence and engaging effectively with diverse client demographics.

· Conducting in-depth research for our clients for new client acquisition, offering strategic insights that drive business growth.

· Financial analysis and strategy, formulating recommendations for cost reduction and margin enhancement, including 5-year plans.

· Advising on new store openings or expanding manufacturing facilities, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability for our clients.

Personal Information

I split my time between New York City and the southeast coast of Florida. I am married and have a son who resides in Los Angeles, CA.

I am fortunate to live near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, so on the weekends I spend time walking in Central Park and then go into the museum to see what is new in the art world.

We love to travel and I also enjoy driving, bike rides and taking long walks. I also have a passion for textiles: I quilt, knit and crochet. To relax I head to the kitchen and cook!

Industry membership

I am on the Women's Jewelry Association Metro Mentorship Committee; this is my third year on the committee and my sixth year or seventh year as a member.

What do you appreciate most about being part of the Hill & Co. team?

The comprehensive expertise and the collaborative spirit that defines our work culture.

Our team's diverse skills cover every facet of our industry, enabling us to offer holistic support to our clients.

This depth of knowledge is not just a professional asset; it fosters a profound sense of camaraderie and respect.

Not many people know this but…

I started in the Housewares Department at one of the largest fine jewelry and silver retail companies in the Northeast United States.

I became a Buyer in the Silver (Table Top) division, reporting directly to the owner, Alan Fortunoff who was my mentor. His guidance was pivotal in my career development, allowing me to be involved in the early stages of telecommunications, the development of the first CRM, and pioneering e-commerce software in our industry.