Jennifer Ashworth Appointed as Brand Director for LeachGarner and Rio Grande Jewelry

LeachGarner, a prominent provider of precious metals with a legacy spanning over a century since 1909, has officially announced the elevation of Jennifer Ashworth to the pivotal position of Brand Director. Ashworth, who previously served as the Senior Brand Manager, will now oversee the comprehensive brand strategies for both LeachGarner and Rio Grande Jewelry. Her expanded responsibilities include harmonizing product placement and market penetration across an extensive range of offerings, from mill products and findings to chains and finished jewelry pieces.

In her capacity as Brand Director, Ashworth is tasked with spearheading initiatives aimed at fostering brand expansion, upholding rigorous product development and quality benchmarks, and orchestrating synergistic cross-departmental projects. These efforts are designed to elevate the customer journey and bolster market competitiveness. Her strategic guidance is expected to reinforce the standing of both brands within the Richline Group portfolio, positioning them as dependable and forward-thinking collaborators for jewelry manufacturers, artisans, and designers alike.

Ashworth brings a wealth of expertise to this role, having accumulated more than 30 years of experience within the dynamic jewelry sector. Her professional background encompasses diverse areas such as customer service, sales, merchandising, product development, and product management. Throughout her more than two decades at LeachGarner, she has been instrumental in executing various successful campaigns. These include boosting product visibility, optimizing customer support frameworks, and ensuring a cohesive narrative between brand identity and product strategy. This alignment is particularly vital in a market characterized by fluctuating precious metal prices and evolving consumer demands.

Earlier in 2025, Ashworth's responsibilities broadened to include the management of specific product lines for Rio Grande Jewelry, an entity within The Richline Group, which is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. In this dual leadership capacity, she is responsible for the mill products and struck findings collections across both organizations. This ensures uniform quality, ethical sourcing practices, and strategic market alignment for all relevant offerings.

Ashworth has also been a driving force behind the modernization of LeachGarner's digital customer interface. Her contributions have facilitated the ongoing deployment of advanced online tools and resources, which significantly improve product transparency and accessibility for clients.

This promotion underscores LeachGarner's ongoing commitment to investing in its leadership infrastructure. It aligns with the recent appointment of Linda Coutu as Director of Sales, a newly established role designed to fortify commercial strategies and deepen customer engagement. With extensive experience in the jewelry and precious metals industries, Coutu's leadership perfectly complements Ashworth's expanded brand responsibilities, enabling LeachGarner to adeptly navigate market fluctuations and support its clientele through volatile pricing landscapes. Ashworth's academic background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Design from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, with a specialization in Metalsmithing and a minor in Art History. Additionally, she actively serves as an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Association MA/NH.

This significant leadership transition at LeachGarner highlights the company's commitment to strategic brand development and market leadership. Jennifer Ashworth's extensive experience and proven track record are set to drive innovation and customer satisfaction, reinforcing the company's position as a trusted partner in the precious metals industry.