David Charles is Maui Divers Jewelry’s new president and chief executive officer. He succeeds Cliff Slater, one of Maui Divers Jewelry’s founders, who left retirement in July 2014 to return as interim CEO.

HONOLULU – Maui Divers Jewelry last week announced that its board of directors has elected David Charles as the company’s next president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Charles joins Maui Divers with more than 25 years of experience in luxury retail.

Charles recently served as the region president/Pacific of DFS Group, where he oversaw the Hawaii, Guam and Saipan divisions. He was responsible for the company’s business development within the Pacific.

Prior to taking on this position in 2013, Charles held various senior leadership roles for DFS Group, including vice president of business development for DFS, vice president of stores, and managing director. His positions spanned Asia, Oceania and the United States.

Charles succeeds Cliff Slater, one of Maui Divers Jewelry’s founders, who left retirement in July 2014 to return as interim CEO.

“David is a successful leader with a track record of growing existing operations and securing new ventures. He has the management experience, passion and innovative thinking to move this company forward,” said Slater.

“Maui Divers Jewelry is a unique local company with a talented group of designers and jewelers who create beautiful jewelry here in Hawaii. I am honored to have been chosen to lead the organization,” said Charles.

“I look forward to collaborating with everyone on the team to continue offering our customers the inspired designs and fine quality for which we are renowned.”

“I’m proud of what this organization has accomplished during a challenging economic period for luxury goods sales,” Slater said.

“Charles is an asset to Maui Divers Jewelry’s board and an excellent choice to lead the company going forward.”

Founded in 1959, Maui Divers Jewelry is the largest jewelry manufacturer and retailer in Hawaii. The jewelry is created locally at the Jewelry Design Center in Honolulu, where tours are offered to the public daily.

Maui Divers Jewelry owns and operates more than 30 locations throughout Hawaii.