E.A. Hughes, a Division of Solomon Page, Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Citizen Watch
April 28, 2025 – E.A. Hughes & Co., a division of Solomon Page specializing in retail and consumer-focused executive search, has placed Amy Kleinberg as the new chief technology officer of Citizen Watch. Managing directors Ann MacCarthy and Bob Marchant led the assignment. They acted as an extension of the company’s organization, providing a personal and technical approach.
“The committed team at E.A. Hughes incorporates behavioral interviews, in-depth screenings, and a robust aptitude-based foundation throughout the hiring process,” the firm said. “This comprehensive method ensured the candidates competencies and capabilities are aligned with the Citizen Watch’s culture and objectives. Through this diligent process, the team recognized Amy Kleinberg to have the qualities and abilities to coincide with the company and have a profound impact utilizing her experience and renowned reputation in the industry.”
“It was an honor to support Citizen Watch in their search for a chief technology officer, resulting in the successful placement of Amy Kleinberg,” said Ms. MacCarthy. “With an impressive career and academic background, she is well-equipped to drive the continued growth of the company’s retail, wholesale, and e-commerce businesses on a global scale. I am confident she will be a valuable addition and greatly appreciate our ongoing partnership with Jeffery Cohen and his outstanding team at Citizen Watch.”
Ms. Kleinberg is an accomplished leader in the technology space with over 20 years of experience delivering high impact global business solutions. With her extensive experience in the luxury fashion industry and deep expertise, she will provide essential strategic direction and leadership, strengthening the Citizen Watch team and advancing short- and long-term business goals. Ms. Kleinberg is an expert in shaping brand strategy by implementing technology solutions that foster competitive advantage and sustainable growth. She is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences through process improvements and business transformation strategies.
“I’m honored to join Citizen Watch America as chief technology officer,” Ms. Kleinberg said. “With a deep appreciation for the brand’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship, I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive digital transformation, optimize business processes, and enhance the customer experience across its iconic portfolio of watch brands.”
Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. is a Japanese watchmaker founded in 1918, known for its innovative timekeeping technologies and global presence. The company produces a wide range of watches, from affordable everyday models to premium timepieces, and is especially recognized for its Eco-Drive technology, which powers watches using light rather than batteries.
Serving Clients Since 1991
Founded in 1991 by Elaine Hughes, E.A. Hughes & Co. focuses on retail and consumer executive search. The firm serves clients in the retail and consumer apparel, home furnishings, beauty, digital, e-commerce, footwear, and other industries. E.A. Hughes is headquartered in New York City. In 2019, the firm was acquired by Solomon Page. “Elaine has influenced the careers of many senior executives in retail and fashion and advocated for women in the industry by example and involvement in many organizations during the past three decades,” said Sue Lamoreaux, managing director at Solomon Page, at the time.
Related: E.A. Hughes Recruits Chief Merchant for J. C. Penney
Ms. Hughes is a search professional in the consumer products executive search industry. For 25 years, the largest retailers and consumer products companies have turned to her to find senior leaders. Her credentials include years of experience both on the inside and on the consulting/executive search side of the industry.
Leading and Scaling with Talent
Talent has become the cornerstone of value creation in private equity, shaping the success of portfolio companies and driving superior returns. As traditional levers like financial engineering and cost optimization face diminishing returns, private equity firms are increasingly focused on leadership and operational excellence to unlock growth. The role of talent leaders has never been more critical—they are the architects of transformative strategies, aligning people and processes to maximize organizational potential and achieve sustainable scalability.
Hunt Scanlon Media is convening hundreds of operating partners, chief talent officers, and executive recruiters at the Harvard Club in New York on May 15, 2025. We will examine the vital role talent professionals play in driving value creation—from shaping investment strategies and operational initiatives to fostering leadership excellence and organizational growth.
Founded in 1990, Solomon Page is a specialty niche provider of recruitment and executive search solutions across a wide array of functions and industries. Lloyd Solomon and Scott Page are the firm’s co-founders and managing directors.
Ms. MacCarthy has spent more than 20 years recruiting CEOs and other C-suite and VP-level executives for her clients across all channels of distribution. “People in the retail and consumer industry sectors she serves recognize that her ability to partner effectively is built on her insider experience as CHRO for Gestetner PLC and in senior HR positions at Sara Lee and U.S. Industries Apparel Group,” E.A. Hughes said.
Mr. Marchant is a seasoned executive search leader who brings more than 20 years of experience and leadership to the retail, fashion and consumer industries. He transitioned from a 15-year career in the retail industry to executive search based on his expertise across the retail enterprise and his approach to address the cultural and operating needs of his clients. He has experience recruiting across a broad range of disciplines including marketing, supply chain, merchandising, finance, operations, creative and sales. Mr. Marchant also has functional experience in the digital world in both e-commerce extensions of brick and mortar companies as well as pure-play organizations.
Related: E.A. Hughes & Co. Places CHRO at JCPenney
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
