The Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) has announced the appointment of Chau Lui of Paris Jewellers and Eric Senftleben of Citizen Watch Canada Ltd. as Co-Chairs of its Board of Directors.
The announcement was made during the Association’s Annual General Meeting, held at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto, alongside the third annual CJA Industry Summit.
Board Appointments Confirmed at Annual Meeting
The 2026 CJA Board of Directors was formally confirmed at the AGM, with Lui and Senftleben elected as Co-Chairs. The pair takes on the role as the CJA continues its activities in support of the Canadian jewellery and watch industry through advocacy, member services, and engagement across the sector.
Co-Chair Chau Lui of Paris Jewellers in Edmonton, AB – “It’s a true honour to work alongside our Board of Directors and the CJA team. I’m looking forward to learning from one another, collaborating with purpose, and supporting initiatives that continue to move forward our incredible jewellery and watch industry.”
Co-Chair Eric Sentfleben of Citizen Watch Canada Ltd. in Markham, ON – “I’m grateful to be part of the CJA Board and excited about what we will achieve together. As we embrace chances to reconnect, re-engage, and strengthen the common purpose of supporting the pursuit of excellence within the Canadian jewellery and watch industry, I anticipate a future of transformation aligned with our strategic objectives and growth aspirations.”
Composition of the 2026 Board
In addition to the newly appointed Co-Chairs, the CJA Board for 2026 includes:
- Past Chair: Angela Betteridge, Angela Betteridge Jewellery, Kelowna BC
- First Vice Chair: Marco Pasteris, Birks Group, Montreal, QC
- Second Vice Chair: Shant Purutoglu, Gem Lab Appraisal Services, Toronto ON
- Executive Member: Justin Opert, Sorbet Sapphire, Thornhill, ON
- Director: Mark Devereaux, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group, Neenah, WI, USA
- Director: Kevin Vantyghem, Vantyghem Diamonds, Kitchener, ON
- Director: Tom Hart, C.J. Ltd., Dartmouth, NS
- Director: Arka Akkelian, Canadian Gem, Montreal, QC
- Director: Pramendra Baid, La Pierre Precieuse Inc., Montreal QC
- Director: Simon Parker, MBA4Rent & Douglas College, New Westminster BC
- Director: Carey Spanbauer Wilde, Refined Custom Jewellers Ltd., Cochrane AB
- Director: Simon Marcil, Tech-Emotion, Montreal, QC
The full board listing is available on the CJA’s website.
Annual Summit Draws Broad Participation
The AGM took place alongside the third annual CJA Industry Summit, which drew over 200 professionals from across the Canadian jewellery sector. The event featured educational sessions, presentations from industry speakers, and networking with member benefit partners.
The day concluded with a cocktail reception and the CJA Awards Dinner, where five awards were presented, including the Erol Paylan Impact Award.
Implications for the Industry
The leadership changes and participation in the summit signal continued efforts to strengthen national connections across the trade. Jewellers in Canada can expect ongoing focus on professional development, advocacy, and industry standards through the CJA’s activities.
