Signet Names New UK Head

RAPAPORT... Signet Jewelers has appointed Neil Old as managing directorof its UK operations, where he will lead the team in implementing the Path toBrilliance program. Old, who will oversee the company's British businessesincluding H. Samuel and Ernest Jones, was previously CEO of photographicspecialty retailer Jessops Europe Limited, David Bouffard, Signet's vicepresident of corporate affairs, told Rapaport News Monday. Former Signet president Seb Hobbs was in charge of thedivision on an interim basis following the departure of Emma Hayward in May. The jeweler has also brought on Colleen Rooney as chiefcommunications officer, succeeding Carol Schumacher. She will be responsiblefor developing and leading an integrated communication strategy throughout theentire company.  "Under her leadership, we aim to elevate our communicationsfor internal and external stakeholders, expand our positive relationships withopinion leaders in the media, and evolve our corporate social-responsibilitystrategies," Bouffard noted. Rooney was previously chief communications officer forQurate Retail Group, the parent company of online consumer site Zulily and shoppingchannels QVC and HSN. Old and Rooney both took on their new roles at the beginningof the month. They will report to Signet CEO Virginia Drosos. Images: Neil Old (top); Colleen Rooney (right). (Signet Jewelers)