MajorsSep 15, 2022
Reed Krakoff, Former Head of Design at Tiffany, Joins John Hardy MajorsJan 25, 2023
John Hardy Names New CEO
Luxury retail executive Frédéric Levy has taken on the role.
Frédéric Levy, a luxury retail executive with more than 20 years of experience, is the new CEO of John Hardy.
New York—John Hardy has named luxury retail executive Frédéric Levy as its new CEO.
Former CEO Kareem Gahed, who took on the role in 2019, stepped down after a total of six years with the jewelry brand.
Levy has more than two decades of experience in the luxury goods and retail space, taking on leadership roles overseeing e-commerce business and digital and marketing strategies.
Most recently, he was the president of the international business unit at footwear manufacturer Alpargatas Group, where he managed the Havaianas brand outside of Brazil.
From 2015 to 2020, he was president and CEO of wine technology brand Coravin, spearheading its growth in the United States and Europe and expanding into new markets.
Prior to that, he was president of Nespresso USA for nine years.
“Throughout his career, Fred has demonstrated a remarkable talent for understanding how to drive market penetration for a variety of unique global brands,” said J. Michael Chu, global co-CEO of L Catterton and chairman of John Hardy’s board of directors.
Private equity firm L Catterton is the majority shareholder of John Hardy. The company was founded in 2016 by Catterton, LVMH, and Groupe Arnault, the family holding company of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault.
“L Catterton believes there is significant opportunity for the John Hardy brand globally, and we are confident that Fred is the right leader to guide the company through its next phase of growth while staying true to the distinctive heritage that sets the company apart,” said Chu.
He also thanked former CEO Gahed for his contributions to the company.
Regarding his departure, Gahed said, “I am pleased to be handing the reins to someone as talented and capable as Fred. With his marketing and digital expertise, Fred brings the right set of skills to lead John Hardy through the next chapter in the company’s history, and I look forward to watching the brand’s continued growth and success.”
Related stories will be right here …
Former CEO Kareem Gahed, who took on the role in 2019, stepped down after a total of six years with the jewelry brand.
Levy has more than two decades of experience in the luxury goods and retail space, taking on leadership roles overseeing e-commerce business and digital and marketing strategies.
Most recently, he was the president of the international business unit at footwear manufacturer Alpargatas Group, where he managed the Havaianas brand outside of Brazil.
From 2015 to 2020, he was president and CEO of wine technology brand Coravin, spearheading its growth in the United States and Europe and expanding into new markets.
Prior to that, he was president of Nespresso USA for nine years.
“Throughout his career, Fred has demonstrated a remarkable talent for understanding how to drive market penetration for a variety of unique global brands,” said J. Michael Chu, global co-CEO of L Catterton and chairman of John Hardy’s board of directors.
Private equity firm L Catterton is the majority shareholder of John Hardy. The company was founded in 2016 by Catterton, LVMH, and Groupe Arnault, the family holding company of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault.
“L Catterton believes there is significant opportunity for the John Hardy brand globally, and we are confident that Fred is the right leader to guide the company through its next phase of growth while staying true to the distinctive heritage that sets the company apart,” said Chu.
He also thanked former CEO Gahed for his contributions to the company.
Regarding his departure, Gahed said, “I am pleased to be handing the reins to someone as talented and capable as Fred. With his marketing and digital expertise, Fred brings the right set of skills to lead John Hardy through the next chapter in the company’s history, and I look forward to watching the brand’s continued growth and success.”
In a statement, Levy expressed his excitement for taking on the role.
“John Hardy has a unique and authentic artistic foundation, and I am thrilled to be working with our creative chairman, Reed Krakoff, and the rest of our gifted team to take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead,” he said.
Krakoff, the former head of design at Tiffany & Co., joined John Hardy last year and is also a strategic advisor to L Catterton.
Levy added, “Together we will find creative ways to grow the John Hardy brand globally while staying true to our brand values.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
