FORTÉ Names Josh Braun to New Role of Chief Information Officer

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 22, 2025--

FORTÉ, formerly AVI Systems, today announced that Josh Braun has been promoted to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective immediately. Braun becomes FORTÉ’s first-ever CIO, reflecting the company’s increasing emphasis on technology, security, and infrastructure as essential drivers of growth.

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As CIO, Braun will lead all aspects of FORTÉ’s information technology and digital infrastructure – including security, internal IT support, systems architecture, and long-term technology strategy. In addition, he will oversee the IT demands of FORTÉ’s 42 U.S. locations and presence in four European countries, and guide integration planning and execution as the company continues to expand.

“We are excited to elevate Josh to the new role of CIO,” said Jeff Stoebner, Chairman and CEO of FORTÉ. “Since joining in 2016, Josh has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening FORTÉ’s technology environment. Establishing the CIO role, and appointing Josh to the position, is a natural step as we continue to scale and invest in technology as a strategic advantage.”

Braun joined FORTÉ in 2016 as Director of IT and was promoted to Vice President of IT in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he has built a strong, scalable IT foundation. His leadership has driven enhanced security protocols, improved employee tech support, and includes the implementation of modern systems that ensure reliability, efficiency, and organizational resilience.

“I’m honored to take on the role of CIO at FORTÉ,” said Braun. “Technology is a cornerstone of our company’s success. As we continue to expand globally and accelerate business initiatives, my focus is on ensuring technology remains a catalyst for scale, resilience, and exceptional experiences for both our employees and our customers. I’m excited to continue partnering across the business to shape what’s next.”

Braun is a veteran in the technology industry. He began his career in IT with South Dakota-based Daktronics. Prior to joining FORTÉ, he led global IT operations at Digital River, a Minneapolis-based eCommerce company for 17 years. A native of Rosholt, S. Dak., Braun studied Electronic Engineering at South Dakota State University. He and his family reside in Waconia, Minnesota.

ABOUT FORTÉ

FORTÉ is a leading provider of innovative communication and collaboration solutions and service, dedicated to transforming workplaces in corporate, education and government agencies. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and reliability, FORTÉ helps organizations create connected, productive environments where people, spaces, and technology work together effortlessly. FORTÉ empowers organizations with secure, future-ready systems that enhance every employee touchpoint. For more information, visit www.ourforte.com.

Josh Braun has been named Chief Information Officer at FORTÉ. Josh joined the company in 2016 and has been instrumental in advancing the company's information technology and digital infrastructure.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 22, 2025--

Zales, the legendary fine jewelry retailer, is ushering in a new era of jewelry shopping with the launch of The Edit, a next-generation retail concept that blends style, storytelling, and premier service.

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Now open in four markets with plans for continued expansion in 2026,The Edit introduces a fresh, modern approach to jewelry discovery—one that’s more personal, inspiring, and intuitive. The new stores mark a pivotal step in Zales’ transformation following its 2025 “Own It” rebrand, reinforcing the company’s vision of making fine jewelry part of everyday life.

Designed to feel less like a store and more like a destination, The Edit invites customers to explore jewelry through their own lens - whether celebrating a milestone, marking a personal win, or simply indulging in something that feels uniquely theirs. The space champions the spirit of self-purchase and self-reward, creating an environment where buying jewelry becomes an act of confidence and self-expression.

Each location features open layouts, dynamic storytelling zones, and digital tools that encourage self-guided discovery while maintaining Zales’ hallmark of trusted, high-touch service. The result is a shopping experience that feels both luxurious and liberating - designed for the modern customer who embraces the joy of gifting themselves.

Key features include:

The Edit starting locations:

With more than 422 stores nationwide, Zales continues to evolve its retail footprint to meet the expectations of modern shoppers—those seeking both inspiration and independence in the jewelry-buying journey.

“The Edit reflects how our customers want to experience jewelry today—hands-on, connected, and personal,” says Zales President, Kecia Caffie. “It’s about creating a space where discovery feels effortless and every piece tells a story.”

For more than a century, Zales has celebrated love, milestones, and everyday moments with fine jewelry defined by craftsmanship, value, and meaning. With The Edit, the brand continues to evolve how customers discover, design, and express their own stories through jewelry. True to its modern vision, Zales is making fine jewelry part of everyday adornment—featuring diamonds and fashion-forward designs meant to be worn, layered, and lived in.

ABOUT ZALES

Zales redefines fine jewelry – making self-expression through style more effortless and accessible than ever. From hoops to huggies, diamonds to gold, and personalized pieces crafted to reflect your own style, Zales is there to elevate the everyday and empower individuals to play with what’s precious. A part of Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, Zales is where bold style meets meaningful design. Learn more at Zales.com and follow us on social @ZalesJewelers (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) and @Zales (Facebook, YouTube).

Zales New Storefront in Chandler Fashion Mall, Arizona. Courtesy of Zales.