
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

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.


Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
























