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
AuctionsOct 11, 2024
Bonhams Reports ‘Fierce Bidding’ for Dianne Feinstein’s Jewels All 74 lots of jewelry belonging to the late Democratic senator found buyers at Bonhams Los Angeles.
CollectionsOct 11, 2024
Piece of the Week: Gemfields x Kimberly McDonald Jewelry SuiteThe two collaborated on a necklace and a pair of earrings that praise the beauty of Zambian emeralds.
Events & AwardsOct 11, 2024
ICA Congress Goes to BrazilThe 20th ICA Congress is slated for May 19-22 in Brasília, Brazil.
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.
CollectionsOct 10, 2024
Pomellato Revives Past Designs for New Capsule Collection“Memorie D’Archivio” was inspired by the “Mora” and “Mosaico” collections the brand introduced in the ‘90s.
Weekly QuizOct 10, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 10, 2024
Lucara Sells Clara to Its Original FoundersCEO William Lamb said divesting the diamond sales platform allows the company to focus on the underground expansion of Karowe.
MajorsOct 10, 2024
Oscar Heyman Releases 2024 Holiday CatalogIt features 124 jewels and a variety of colored gemstones.
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This FallDon't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
IndependentsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
SourcingOct 04, 2024
How India Became the World’s Second-Largest Market for Diamond Jewelry A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.
MajorsOct 04, 2024
Hearts On Fire Names Gabrielle Grazi VP of Sales, North AmericaThe industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
CollectionsOct 04, 2024
Piece of the Week: Ray Griffiths’ ‘Double Headed Snake’ RingSlither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.
Policies & IssuesOct 03, 2024
RJO, CERF+ Join Those Offering Hurricane Helene Relief to Affected JewelersPlus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.
CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery ChargeLadell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”
