
Byron Clayton will fill the role beginning Feb 1.
Previously, he was deputy chief people officer at Ikea, a company that boasts more than 170,000 employees worldwide.
Prior to that, he held various human resources positions at Nokia, Microsoft, Maersk, AstraZeneca, and Mercer.
A U.S. citizen, Clayton currently resides in Copenhagen with his wife and two sons. His career has taken him to Singapore, Thailand, Finland, and the United Kingdom.
He has a master’s degree in strategy and leadership from London Business School and a bachelor’s degree in human resources and psychology from the University of North Texas.
Clayton will report to Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and will have a spot on the company’s executive leadership team.
“Byron’s impressive resume cuts across multiple industries and geographies, and he has a great understanding of how to connect HR to commercial requirements,” said Lacik.
“He has shown that he can build strong organizations in complex environments, and his most recent experience at Ikea—an affordable global retail brand that caters to a mass-market audience—carries a lot of relevance to Pandora. I look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Clayton said, “Pandora is one of the largest brands in Scandinavia, with a strong global presence and products that touch millions of consumers every day. The company has very exciting opportunities ahead, and I am thrilled to join at this time.”
He replaces Erik Schmidt, who joined Pandora in 2019 and is now retiring.
“Erik has been instrumental in shaping the Pandora organization for our growth journey, and I would like to express my sincere thanks for his contributions. After more than 30 years in business, Erik has decided to retire from corporate life, and I wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter,” said Lacik.
The Latest

Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.


From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.





















