It's all fairly recent - looks like Aurum Group are trying to hit the US hard (and so far, they seem to be doing a pretty good job!) I think Brian Duffy is probably calling in some of his contacts and has solid knowledge and experience of the US market, from his time at Ralph Lauren.
As part of the deal for Mayors, Birks jewellery is now stocked in quite a few Goldsmiths stores in the UK.