Stanley Zale
Principal Consultant
Which country do you live in?
United States
When did you join Hill & Co.?
May 2023
How many years have you worked in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry?
40
Background and experience
I began learning diamonds as a teenager at the old Zale New York office at 450 W 33rd St, first as a sawyer honing my skills and learning how to plan rough diamonds.
I spent several years working in, and then leading, Zale’s rough diamond buying, cutting and production operation in the days when they were a DTC Sightholder.
Then came almost a decade working for legendary Diamantaire Louis Glick before moving to a role as Vice President Diamond and Gemstones for Stuller.
I consider myself very fortunate to have learned the trade from my grandfather, MB Zale, and to count Louis Glick and Matt Stuller as the strongest influences and teachers in my career.
Skills and specialisms
· Analytically driven and results oriented
· Special emphasis on inventory management and maximizing GMROI.
· Reversing negative trends and turning around declining businesses.
· Profit growth
· Highly strategic leader
· Managing market risk of a commoditized product
Personal Information
My wife Claudia and I live in our empty nest in Chicago, with our three poodles. Our children are all grown and on their own. We stay involved in our family "business", a charitable foundation that supports causes we feel strongly about. Family is the most important part of our lives.
Industry membership
I currently serve on the boards of the Jewelers Security Alliance and the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association and was previously a member of the Executive Board of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. I am a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York and the 24 Karat Club Southeast US.
What do you appreciate most about being part of the Hill & Co. team?
The breadth and depth of the team's experience.
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