Meet the CMJ team
The team that works at the Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) combines a wealth of experience with a passion for the jewellery industry and our members. We are a small and friendly team who work closely together in our head office in Rugby, Warwickshire. Do get in touch if you have any questions; our members are at the heart of everything we do and we are always happy to help.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Emmet Cummins
Managing Director
25 years in a global corporate environment has given me a good footing in how to lead and manage an organisation. This includes 10 years with the Watches of Switzerland Group, leading the business services division.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2020
My perfect piece: I love a Rolex Submariner. I just admire how beautiful it is and love how aspirational Rolex is as a brand.
Fun fact: I’m an Irishman who came to England to qualify as a Forensic Psychologist.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2020
My perfect piece: I love a Rolex Submariner. I just admire how beautiful it is and love how aspirational Rolex is as a brand.
Fun fact: I’m an Irishman who came to England to qualify as a Forensic Psychologist.
MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT
Amber Saunders
Director of Membership Development
I grew up in the jewellery trade with my father having his own jewellery retailing business. He was also a member of the CMJ, so I first experienced a CMJ Trade Event at the age of about 15! I went on to work for IBB and then Brown & Newirth so having this experience from both a retailer and supplier perspective really helps me in my role with the CMJ.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2019
My perfect piece: I actually have two! A pendant my husband had made for me on our 10th wedding anniversary and a beautiful ring he got me for a "big" birthday which puts a smile on my face every time I look at it.
Fun fact: I travelled around the world for over a year and whilst doing so climbed Ayers Rock, scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef and did a sky dive in New Zealand.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2019
My perfect piece: I actually have two! A pendant my husband had made for me on our 10th wedding anniversary and a beautiful ring he got me for a "big" birthday which puts a smile on my face every time I look at it.
Fun fact: I travelled around the world for over a year and whilst doing so climbed Ayers Rock, scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef and did a sky dive in New Zealand.
Sam Osborn
Membership Manager
One of my first roles was working for a family-run events business. After this, I got a job at a small family-run maintenance company where I worked in account management and finance for eight years. Then I saw the job advertised at the CMJ and it was perfect as I love organising events, looking after customers, talking to people and I love jewellery.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2014
My perfect piece: My gold and sapphire panther ring which I got for my 15th birthday off my mum and stepfather. It is very sentimental to me and I see it as my protection and good luck charm.
Fun fact: In 2015, after a couple of drinks, booked a month’s holiday around Thailand. It was the best thing I ever did! I love spicy food and I'm absolutely terrified of sharks.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2014
My perfect piece: My gold and sapphire panther ring which I got for my 15th birthday off my mum and stepfather. It is very sentimental to me and I see it as my protection and good luck charm.
Fun fact: In 2015, after a couple of drinks, booked a month’s holiday around Thailand. It was the best thing I ever did! I love spicy food and I'm absolutely terrified of sharks.
Pennelope Allman
Group Events Manager
My first job was working as a sales assistant for Pandora in Ashby. I then spent several years as an Executive Assistant to board level roles at The Watches of Switzerland Group. I joined the CMJ in a completely different role as Group Events Manager and am looking forward to working with the team and the exciting challenges ahead.
Year I joined CMJ: 2021
My perfect piece: I love a Rolex Datejust, this would be my dream to own one day. But my Cartier Tank Solo is my pride and joy along with my family ring, which myself and my brothers will pass down in generations.
Fun fact: I travelled around Australia on my own for a year and broke my wrist zorbing. I also ran with the Olympic torch and passed it to Gary Lineker – I had no idea who he was until afterwards.
Year I joined CMJ: 2021
My perfect piece: I love a Rolex Datejust, this would be my dream to own one day. But my Cartier Tank Solo is my pride and joy along with my family ring, which myself and my brothers will pass down in generations.
Fun fact: I travelled around Australia on my own for a year and broke my wrist zorbing. I also ran with the Olympic torch and passed it to Gary Lineker – I had no idea who he was until afterwards.
Jen Marsden
Market Insights & Digital Development Manager
I started my jewellery journey 14 years ago when I joined The Watches of Switzerland group and never looked back, my most recent role was trainer and auditor. I have JET qualifications, a keen eye for detail and a passion for jewellery. I am excited for a new journey with the CMJ.
Year I joined CMJ: 2021
My perfect piece: I couldn’t possibly pick one, every piece I wear has a memory, holds great sentimental value and that is what make jewellery so special.
Fun fact: I love to sing and auditioned for Pop Idol many years ago. I didn’t get through, but I was able to go on to perform as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Year I joined CMJ: 2021
My perfect piece: I couldn’t possibly pick one, every piece I wear has a memory, holds great sentimental value and that is what make jewellery so special.
Fun fact: I love to sing and auditioned for Pop Idol many years ago. I didn’t get through, but I was able to go on to perform as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Sally Ashdown-Phillips
Membership Support
I spent 20 years working in various admin roles, mainly HR for a multi-national company within the automotive industry, where I gained a great set of skills. After going for a complete career change, I became a prison officer in a Category B male prison. Another u-turn brought me to planning and organising the events here at the CMJ and more recently to providing support to our membership team.
Year I joined CMJ: 2010
My perfect piece: My beautiful diamond engagement ring/wedding ring, from the love of my life and soul mate, I waited a very long time to find him! Diamonds are my birthstone as well as a girl’s best friend – that was my excuse for wanting diamonds!
Fun fact: I once got squashed and trapped in a phone box, when a car crashed into it – not your everyday kind of accident!
Year I joined CMJ: 2010
My perfect piece: My beautiful diamond engagement ring/wedding ring, from the love of my life and soul mate, I waited a very long time to find him! Diamonds are my birthstone as well as a girl’s best friend – that was my excuse for wanting diamonds!
Fun fact: I once got squashed and trapped in a phone box, when a car crashed into it – not your everyday kind of accident!
MARKETING
Frances Hopes
Head of Marketing
I’ve worked in the jewellery industry almost constantly since 2004, first joining the trade when I worked as Deputy Editor of Retail Jeweller magazine. I’ve had a varied career and am just coming to the end of studying for a Level 6 CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2011–2016, rejoined as Head of Marketing in 2019
My perfect piece: A marcasite and silver necklace that I inherited from my grandma – it is a very sentimental piece and I always get compliments on it. It’s easy to imagine my grandma wearing it back in the 1950s, looking very glamorous. Just goes to show that jewellery trends come full circle!
Fun fact: It's a fact (but wasn't much fun!) that in July 2019 I completed a 100km ultra challenge trek in the Peak District, which took 27 long hours, to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital charity.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2011–2016, rejoined as Head of Marketing in 2019
My perfect piece: A marcasite and silver necklace that I inherited from my grandma – it is a very sentimental piece and I always get compliments on it. It’s easy to imagine my grandma wearing it back in the 1950s, looking very glamorous. Just goes to show that jewellery trends come full circle!
Fun fact: It's a fact (but wasn't much fun!) that in July 2019 I completed a 100km ultra challenge trek in the Peak District, which took 27 long hours, to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital charity.
Lauren Scattergood
Marketing and Communications Executive
Since graduating university, I have worked in marketing in the B2B sector, previously in the hair and beauty industry and now loving being part of the jewellery industry. I take a particular interest in digital marketing and love a good spreadsheet!
Year I joined the CMJ: 2019
My perfect piece: My Nomination bracelet. The charms represent all of my milestones in life and so it means a lot to me.
Fun fact: Between 2016 and 2019 I worked and travelled overseas in New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia and Europe.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2019
My perfect piece: My Nomination bracelet. The charms represent all of my milestones in life and so it means a lot to me.
Fun fact: Between 2016 and 2019 I worked and travelled overseas in New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia and Europe.
FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
Angela Reesby
Operational Accounts Manager
Prior to joining the CMJ team, I worked at Barclays Bank in Rugby followed by a position in the accounts department at a solicitors in Birmingham, both of which provided me with invaluable office/accounts experience. The vast majority of my working years have been with the CMJ.
Year I joined the CMJ: 1995
My perfect piece: I would have to say my engagement ring. It certainly wasn’t the most expensive ring, we were young and didn’t have a lot of money, but it was still just as special and meaningful.
Fun fact: In my free time, I am very happy working or relaxing in the garden and love the opportunity for a day trip to the coast. We are looking forward to travelling and exploring new destinations now our children are older and more independent.
Year I joined the CMJ: 1995
My perfect piece: I would have to say my engagement ring. It certainly wasn’t the most expensive ring, we were young and didn’t have a lot of money, but it was still just as special and meaningful.
Fun fact: In my free time, I am very happy working or relaxing in the garden and love the opportunity for a day trip to the coast. We are looking forward to travelling and exploring new destinations now our children are older and more independent.
Lorraine Dickens
Purchase Ledger Controller
I have over 35 years' experience working in accounts and payroll and hold a "Fellow Member Association of Accounting Technicians" (FMAAT) status.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2014
My perfect piece: My Fitbit, which was bought for me as a present from my children as I am really into my fitness. I love the daily challenges you can set up with friends, to see who can walk the most steps.
Fun fact: I’m a singer and the lead soprano in a community choir, quite often singing a solo part and performing at various venues.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2014
My perfect piece: My Fitbit, which was bought for me as a present from my children as I am really into my fitness. I love the daily challenges you can set up with friends, to see who can walk the most steps.
Fun fact: I’m a singer and the lead soprano in a community choir, quite often singing a solo part and performing at various venues.
Sharon Fletcher
Office Administrator
I have had a variety of roles since joining the CMJ, originally starting in the stock department, combined with becoming Secretary to David Paterson, who was CEO at the time. Events came next in 2010, in the role of Membership Support Administrator. I have been in my current position as Office Administrator since 2014, where my main duties are in the Accounts department.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2004
My perfect piece: I have lots of favourite pieces of jewellery, but one piece that stands out and is very sentimental to me is a 22ct gold charm bracelet that my late grandma left to me. My grandad gave it to her on their wedding day back in the 1930s. The charms on it are so vintage it fascinates me, I always loved it as a little girl when my grandma used to wear it.
Fun fact: I hit the national headlines when I was born, as my surname was Valentine and I was born on 14 February (Valentine's Day).
Year I joined the CMJ: 2004
My perfect piece: I have lots of favourite pieces of jewellery, but one piece that stands out and is very sentimental to me is a 22ct gold charm bracelet that my late grandma left to me. My grandad gave it to her on their wedding day back in the 1930s. The charms on it are so vintage it fascinates me, I always loved it as a little girl when my grandma used to wear it.
Fun fact: I hit the national headlines when I was born, as my surname was Valentine and I was born on 14 February (Valentine's Day).
OFFICE SUPPORT
Mark Howell
Support Centre Manager
I previously worked for IT companies in a number of areas such as accounts, account management, operations, contracts and customer service, ultimately heading up a Midlands regional branch. I joined the CMJ on a temporary contract in 2010 but have been here ever since and have been in my current role since 2015.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2010
My perfect piece: A gold/silver Longines watch that my wife bought me for a “special” birthday.
Fun fact: I’ve previously done a couple of 24-hour karting races.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2010
My perfect piece: A gold/silver Longines watch that my wife bought me for a “special” birthday.
Fun fact: I’ve previously done a couple of 24-hour karting races.
Karen Cobley
Executive Assistant
Before joining the CMJ I spent several years in PA Board level roles at a global blue chip company, followed by four years at a not-for-profit organisation as Executive Assistant to the CEO and Chairman. To enhance my skills, I am now shadowing a colleague to acquire knowledge and experience of Company Secretary duties.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2011
My perfect piece: My late mum’s engagement ring because as well as being beautiful it holds great sentimental value.
Fun fact: My favourite place is the beach and one day I hope to live in the Mediterranean.
Year I joined the CMJ: 2011
My perfect piece: My late mum’s engagement ring because as well as being beautiful it holds great sentimental value.
Fun fact: My favourite place is the beach and one day I hope to live in the Mediterranean.
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