PROVIDENCE – David W. Cochran, an industry veteran whose experience includes owning his own jewelry manufacturing firm in Attleboro, has been named president/CEO of the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA).

The national trade group, which represents approximately 1,800 fine jewelry-makers across the country from its offices on Royal Little Drive, announced Cochran’s appointment this afternoon, saying that his selection was the result of a year-long search.

“During his 30-plus years in the jewelry industry, David has a proven track record of developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and of ensuring his companies reach their potential,” said Curtis Ley, interim president/CEO of MJSA, who chaired the search committee (READ MORE). “He’ll provide the leadership the association needs to realize its strategic vision and to help our members overcome the global challenges they face.”

Most recently, Cochran served as president and CEO and director of The Robbins Co. in Attleboro, an ISO-certified supplier of recognition and incentive awards for corporations such as Coca-Cola, IBM and Proctor & Gamble. Under his leadership, the company restructured its operations and, based on client input, invested in Web-based retail technology, leading to an overall improvement in gross income, the MJSA said in a prepared statement.

In 2007, Cochran coordinated a successful merger between Robbins and The Tharpe Co. to create one of the nation’s largest employee recognition and awards companies.

For the majority of his career, from 1976 to 1996, Cochran served as president, CEO and owner of R.F. Simmons Co., an Attleboro-based jewelry manufacturer. He strengthened the company’s product development, created niche marketing plans, and implemented cost-saving strategies, the MJSA said. He purchased the company in 1978, and his initiatives led to a tripling of the company’s revenue.

Cochran began his career in the jewelry industry as senior product manager with the Speidel division of Textron Inc. in Providence, where he was charged with strengthening the marketing and business model of the company’s Speidel watch brand and jewelry divisions. He also has worked in senior management and marketing capacities for General Foods Corp., Warner Lambert Co., and American Optical Canada.

The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America sponsors annual several trade shows, including its flagship MJSA Expo New York; publishes the monthly MJSA Journal and MJSA e-newsletter, as well as the influential MJSA Buyers’ Guide and other MJSA Press books and directories; presents a wide range of general and customized training through its MJSA Jewelry Academy; and works closely with the National Association of Manufacturers to represent its members on public policy issues. To learn more, call 1 (800) 444-6572, e-mail info@mjsa.org or visit www.MJSA.org.