Blue Nile Names New Merchandising Head

RAPAPORT...Blue Nile has appointed Katie Zimmerman as chiefmerchandising officer, a role that entails overseeing bridal and fashionjewelry. "Katie brings a unique eye and thoughtful analysis tomerchandising," said CEO Jason Goldberger, to whom Zimmerman will report. "Herskill set is critical to unlocking the sourcing, assortment and sales wins thatwill further Blue Nile's position as the industry leader." Zimmerman previously worked as vice president ofmerchandising at Zale Corporation, now a division of Signet Jewelers, beginningher career there as an assistant buyer in 2002. Zimmerman will relocate from Texas to the Seattlearea. She is Blue Nile's second executive hire in two weeks: Earlier thismonth, Bill Koefoed joined the company as chief financial officer.