Long-time senior exec Darrell Cavens departing Blue Nile

Online jeweler Blue Nile Inc. is looking for a new senior marketing and technology executive.

In a June 13 regulatory filing, Blue Nile, No. 48 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, announced that senior vice president of marketing and technology Darrell Cavens was resigning from the company effective July 3.

“After nine years with Blue Nile, Darrell has decided to pursue another career path outside of e-commerce,” says a Blue Nile spokeswoman. “We have initiated a search for a seasoned technology executive to fill his position.” For now, the technology department will report to Blue Nile chief financial officer Marc Stolzman, while marketing will report to CEO Diane Irvine, the spokeswoman says.

Cavens had served as a Blue Nile senior vice president since June 2005 and as vice president of development from October 2003 through the first half of 2005. He also was Blue Nile`s chief technology officer from November 2000 to June 2005. From September 1999 to November 2000, Cavens served as Blue Nile`s director of technology. Prior to joining Blue Nile, Cavens worked as a staff engineer at Starwave Corp, an Internet development company.

In 2007, Cavens earned total compensation of $719,524, including a base salary of $235,521, Blue Nile reported in its latest proxy report, which was filed in April.

Blue Nile continues to adjust the ranks of its senior management. In May, Blue Nile named Stolzman as chief financial officer, making him the third CFO hired by the e-retailer in less than a year.