Blue Nile diamonds: Trust and authenticity

Harvey Kanter is the CEO of Blue Nile, the largest online retailer of certified diamonds and fine jewelry. He addressed the Economic Club of Phoenix on Jan. 28, 2016.

Harvey Kanter is the CEO of Blue Nile, the largest online retailer of certified diamonds and fine jewelry. He addressed the Economic Club of Phoenix on Jan. 28, 2016.

Bringing more than 25 years of experience across merchandising and retail platforms, W. P. Carey alumnus Harvey Kanter (BS Marketing '84) was appointed president and chief executive officer of Blue Nile in March 2012. In January 2014, he was named chairman of the board. Kanter executes the company’s long-term growth strategy, and during his tenure, Blue Nile has been recognized as an Internet Retailer Hot 100 Best Retail Web Site and a National Retailers Federation Top Hot 100 retailer.

Prior to joining Blue Nile, Kanter served as president and CEO of Moosejaw Mountaineering and Backcountry Travel Inc., a leading multi-channel retailer of premium outdoor apparel and gear. Under his leadership, Kanter developed Moosejaw's enhanced brand architecture and market positioning by clearly defining the merchandising, marketing, and consumer experience strategy and initiatives. During his tenure, Moosejaw experienced double-digit revenue growth and was the recipient of numerous industry awards, including Internet Retailer Hot 100 and Hot 100 Mobile, Ad Age Top 50 Marketing Company, among many others.

Before Moosejaw, Kanter served as executive vice president and managing director of Michaels Stores Inc., the largest craft store chain in the United States and Canada, with nearly $4 billion in annual sales. While at Michaels, Kanter managed the successful overhaul of the company's product merchandising and was responsible for product trend development.

Kanter also served as president of Aaron Brothers, Art and Framing, a division of Michaels. With 165 stores under his direction, Aaron Brothers was then the nation's largest specialty retail chain. Kanter has also played an integral role at some of the nation's most storied retail businesses, including Eddie Bauer, Carter Hawley Hale, and Sears.

In addition, Kanter is a member of the Potbelly Corp. (NASDAQ:PBPB) board of directors, advisory board member to Obliteride and the Seattle University's Center for Leadership Formation, and member of the Jewelers for Children Special Programs Committee.

Kanter holds an MBA in marketing and organizational behavior from Babson College in addition to his marketing degree from W. P. Carey.

Listen to his keynote presentation: