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
AuctionsNov 14, 2024
18th-Century Diamond Necklace Sells for Nearly $5M Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
WatchesNov 14, 2024
Grand Seiko Partners With Ben Bridge on First Hawaii Store The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
SourcingNov 13, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
Aga Khan Emerald Sells for $8.8M, Sets RecordThe emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
‘Exceptional’ Burmese Ruby Ring Tops $5M at Auction Phillips also sold a 1.21-carat fancy red diamond dubbed the “Red Miracle” for more than $1 million at its jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Royal Chain’s New Catalog Is Out NowThe 2024-2025 book introduces hundreds of new designs.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
FinancialsNov 12, 2024
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels Continue to Shine for Richemont Richemont’s jewelry sales ticked up 2 percent in the first half of the year, while watch sales plummeted 17 percent.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
CollectionsNov 12, 2024
Mikimoto and Chrome Hearts Blend Aesthetics in New CollaborationThe “Mikimoto Chrome Hearts” jewelry brings pearls from Mikimoto together with distinctive motifs from Chrome Hearts.
CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
Events & AwardsNov 08, 2024
AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards included a new category for engagement rings and a new award highlighting female designers.
FinancialsNov 08, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Fall 13%Plus, CEO Beth Gerstein shares her insight on the holiday season and the possibility of new tariffs.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
AuctionsNov 06, 2024
Two Rolexes With Ties to Titanic Head to AuctionThe Rolex watches are from the collection of “Titanic” co-producer Alfred “Al” Giddings and will go up for sale at Sotheby’s next month.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award FinalistsTen chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
