MajorsJun 30, 2020
Swarovski Latest to Announce Job Cuts, Slashing 600 PositionsMajorsDec 23, 2021
Nadja Swarovski Steps Down
She will leave the family business at the end of the month but remain involved with the Swarovski Foundation.
Nadja Swarovski speaking at Web Summit 2018. She will step down from her role at Swarovski at the end of the year. (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Web Summit)
London—Nadja Swarovski will step down from her role in the family business at the end of the year.
After 26 years with the company, she will “start a new chapter in her career,” according to a joint press release from Nadja Swarovski and the board of Swarovski International Holding.
“I am deeply grateful for the experience of working in my family’s business and in particular very closely with my father, Helmut Swarovski, who taught me so much,” she said.
She is the great-great-granddaughter of company founder Daniel Swarovski.
“My time at the Swarovski company has been the most rewarding journey – what started with creativity and design has culminated in human empowerment and sustainability, and using Swarovski’s platform to support the environment and the community has been the greatest privilege of my career.”
She joined the company in 1995, becoming the first female member on the executive board.
Acting as the public face of the company for years, she is also credited with directing Swarovski’s brand and sustainability strategies.
In 2007, she created Atelier Swarovski, a jewelry, accessories, and home decor line that touts its sustainability focus.
Under her watch, lab-grown diamonds and fair-trade metals were added to the line.
“Nadja’s perhaps greatest legacy to Swarovski are the strides that the company has taken in sustainability and ethics under her skillful direction. We are grateful for her continued involvement in the Swarovski Foundation, that is an important pillar of the sustainability commitment of the Swarovski business and family,” said Markus Langes-Swarovski, a family member and member of the board of directors.
She also orchestrated collaborations between Swarovski and well-known figures like Christopher Kane, Victor & Rolf, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Karl Lagerfeld.
“Collaborating with so many remarkable individuals globally in fashion, jewelry, architecture and beyond has been incredibly fulfilling and I’m thankful for these everlasting relationships,” she said.
She also supported up-and-coming talent through the Swarovski Collective initiative.
In 2013, she established the Swarovski Foundation, which she will still be involved in after her departure, as per the press release.
“It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge Nadja’s indelible imprint on the business. Her contribution over the years has been decisive in bringing Swarovski to the forefront of the fashion industry,” said Luisa D. Delgado, chair of the board of directors of Swarovski International.
Nadja Swarovski’s departure follows about two years of management shake-up at the family business.
Swarovski first announced a restructuring in May 2020, which included appointing Robert Buchbauer, also a great-great-grandchild of the company's founder, as CEO.
This October, Buchbauer stepped down and Mathias Margreiter, fellow board member and Swarovski family member, stepped down as chief financial officer.
Nadja Swarovski had stepped away from her role at that time but remained on the executive board.
The company is still on the lookout for a CEO and CFO and, though a mostly family-run business, it said it is open to putting outsiders in the roles.
Swarovski’s board recently welcomed five non-family members.
More on Majors
The Latest
Lab-GrownDec 01, 2023
Lightbox Teams Up With Brand Founded by Former Tiffany ExecThe lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.
FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales DipThe company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.
CollectionsDec 01, 2023
Piece of the Week: Muzo’s Emerald and Argyle Pink Diamond NecklaceIt’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.
Brought to you by
If It’s Custom, Make It PlatinumWith holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
This Pink Diamond Reigned Supreme in Hong KongThe 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.
Weekly QuizNov 30, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 133-Carat Yellow DiamondThe stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.
IndependentsNov 30, 2023
Frank Adams Rolls Out Kwiat’s ‘Mine to Shine’ ProgramThe retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.
Brought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological InstituteIn a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.
SourcingNov 29, 2023
Largest New Diamond Mine of the Decade Coming Online in Angola The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
SurveysNov 29, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Broke a Record This Weekend, Says NRFFrom Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.
EditorsNov 29, 2023
Warren Buffett on Success, Mistakes and Betting on AmericaThe best quotes from the Oracle of Omaha and his right-hand man Charlie Munger from the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Maine Jeweler to Relocate After 76 YearsJ. Dostie Jewelers will move from Lewiston to Yarmouth this spring.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Fink’s Jewelers Opens 10th StoreIt’s the company’s second location in Tennessee.
AuctionsNov 28, 2023
Mary Tyler Moore’s Jewelry Is Up For Auction You can have this jewelry, why don’t you take it?
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2023
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Is Celebrating 60 YearsNext year’s milestone show will be full of educational programming and collaborations.
EditorsNov 27, 2023
10 Tips for Selling Diamonds This Holiday SeasonSales experts and a diamantaire share their best advice on how to send customers home with diamond jewelry.
CollectionsNov 27, 2023
See the New ‘Platinum Born’ JewelryThe brand has released five new collections.
IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’The Albany Business Review recently honored the 100-year-old company.
GradingNov 27, 2023
Dr. John W. Valley Retires from GIA Board of GovernorsTo honor his legacy, GIA has set up a scholarship in his name.
CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the RoadThere have been eight attacks in the last month, spanning from a jewelry store parking lot in Rhode Island to highways in California.
TrendsNov 22, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: November GlowThese 15 pieces of jewelry celebrate November babies and the hues of citrine and topaz that reflect the colors of the season.
SourcingNov 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House Raises $12K for WildlifeThe money will help a nonprofit rehabilitate sea turtles.
MajorsNov 22, 2023
Facet Barcelona Opens New Factory in SpainThe jewelry manufacturer said it can now better serve the North American market.
TechnologyNov 21, 2023
See David Yurman’s New High-Tech Holiday Campaign The jewelry brand takes viewers through a virtual winter wonderland set in New York City.
Events & AwardsNov 21, 2023
Here Are the Winners of BIJC’s Inaugural ‘Rock the Jewels’ AwardsThe organization recognized outstanding industry players at its celebratory event.
SourcingNov 21, 2023
De Beers’ Rough Diamond Sales Sink to $80M India’s voluntary moratorium on rough diamond imports coupled with a stunted recovery in China continue to impact the miner.
ColumnistsNov 21, 2023
The Smart Lab: Score Big During Football Season With Hulu AdvertisingEmmanuel Raheb outlines three reasons why Hulu advertising and football can be a game changer for your jewelry store’s marketing.
