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
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
