Laings appoints Brian Nelson as retail director
Luxury jeweller Laings has promoted Brian Nelson to the position of retail director.
In his new role, he will be responsible for the 182 year-old company’s on and offline retail operations and day-to-day management. This will include overseeing showrooms in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton and Cardiff, as well as Laings’ first mono-brand showroom with OMEGA in Wales.
Previously head of retail at Laings, Nelson (pictured centre with Laings CEO Joe Walsh to his left) will also focus on driving footfall and elevating the client experience.
The sixth generation family business introduced its board of directors in October to support its expansion plans. With over 27 years’ experience in the jewellery and watch sector, Nelson will become the tenth member of the Laings’ board and will support managing director Stuart McDowell (pictured right) and sales director Richard Laing whilst feeding into the wider business operations.
McDowell previously held the role of retail director until 2021 when he was appointed as managing director.
Commenting on the appointment, he said: “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.”
Nelson joined Laings in 2006 following stints with high street jeweller Ernest Jones and a senior role at Mappin & Webb. He then worked with Fraser Hart Jewellers for a while, but returned to Laings in 2019.
Nelson said: “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.
“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.”
