Beryl Raff has served as one of Group 1’s independent directors since June 2007. Ms. Raff is Executive Vice President-General Merchandising Manager for the Fine Jewelry Division of J.C. Penney Company, Inc., with whom she has been employed since 2001. Previously, she held executive positions at Zale Corporation and R.H. Macy Corporation. Ms. Raff also serves on the Board of Directors of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., serving as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Corporate Governance Committee. In addition, Ms. Raff serves on numerous jewelry-industry professional boards, including the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Jewelers Circular Keystone. She is a past Executive Board Member and Vice Chairman of the North Texas Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and continues to work passionately on its behalf.