Former NAJ CEO Michael Hoare passes away

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced that the former chief executive of the association, Michael Hoare, has died. President of the NAJ, David Doyle, delivered the news “with a heavy heart” and said that Hoare was known to many from serving in the NAJ (formerly the National Association of Goldsmiths) between 2000 to 2013. He said that before sadly losing his long battle with cancer, Hoare led a “diverse membership”, working alongside a range of SMEs, multinational luxury goods and retailers. During his time at the NAG, Hoare was instrumental in launching the Responsible Jewellery Council and SaferGems, a national intelligence-sharing initiative to counter crime in the jewellery industry. During the latter part of his tenure, Hoare also progressed valuation standards by working with key trade members to formalise the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRVs), which remains an “integral part” of the NAJ today. John Henn, managing director of Henns Jewellers in Wolverhampton, said: “Michael came to the rescue of the NAG way back in 2000 and was interviewed by Bill Grant the chairman and myself at the time. “We immediately loved his open and engaging personality which was later to transform the relationship our trade association had with the wider Industry. While I was chairman he was unreservedly supportive and with Frank Wood, (treasurer), Jonathan Lambert, (vice chairman), Michael (CEO) and myself we became in his own words the ‘Four Musketeers’ steering the association into a more inclusive role. “A memory that will live with me, and I think did him, to the end, was when the two of us were recruiting for a ‘second in command’ for the NAG and we really liked one candidate. He didn’t have the perfect personality, but was properly qualified for the role we required. “Michael asked the pertinent question: ‘Is there any reason why you couldn’t start this job immediately’ to which the candidate explained he was on day release from prison during a preparation phase to re-integrate him into the community. It turned out he was in for fraud after orchestrating an insurance scam just outside Wolverhampton! “Michael and Anne came to my wedding in France and he remained a friend to the end. My thoughts are with Anne and their sons, Michael was a great man and left us all who knew him, with life lessons on how to be a better human being.” Doyle added: “As president, and on behalf of all at the National Association of Jewellers our deepest sympathies to Michael’s wife Anne and their sons. Any cards or sympathy from the trade are to be sent to the below addresses, kindly being handled by Amanda Reavell and R A Braithwaites in York.”

Former NAJ CEO Michael Hoare passes away

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