Brian Nelson has been promoted to become retail director at Laings, taking day-to-day control and strategic responsibility for both online and in-store operations.
He also joins the company’s board of directors.
Mr Nelson joined Laings in 2006, and has most recently been head of retail.
Laings network includes multibrand showrooms in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton and Cardiff as well as an Omega boutique in Cardiff.
Mr Nelson will focus on elevating customer service, driving footfall and improving the client experience, as well as playing a key role in shaping the success of the new Laings flagship showroom in Glasgow, announced earlier this year.
Laings introduced its board of directors in October last year as part of its £10 million expansion project.
“Brian brings a wealth of customer service experience to the team — a key area for us as we build on our legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches. He has done a fantastic job of leading our retail team through the first stages of our expansion plan and his appointment to the board demonstrates the significance of the customer experience to our overall business strategy,” says Laings managing director Stuart McDowell.
“As Retail Director, Brian will help lead the next phase of development for Laings, while continuing to work alongside our partners and brands to redefine a truly luxury retail experience. His presence on the board will bolster our leadership team, and together, we will continue to put our clients at the heart of our plans as we focus on delivering an unparalleled service. I am confident that with his vision and expertise for best practice, we will continue to make great strides in this ambition,” he adds.
Mr Nelson believes his experience at every level of retail over a career already extending over quarter of a century will be invaluable in his new position.
“Having held various roles across the sector, and within Laings itself — from shop floor to operations management — I can now offer my passion and expertise to the board to bring best practice together with Laings’ esteemed heritage to truly exceed client expectations,” he says. “Laings is on a journey of evolution to challenge jewellery and watchmaking retail experiences and I’m pleased to have a part in leading this transformation as we bring innovation to every area of the business.”
