IndependentsJul 31, 2023
Fourtané Names Former Hodinkee Exec COO MajorsAug 02, 2023
John Hardy Names Former Richemont Exec CEO
Jan-Patrick Schmitz will take on the role following former CEO Frédéric Levy’s departure after less than a year.
John Hardy has appointed luxury executive Jan-Patrick Schmitz as its new CEO. (Image courtesy of LinkedIn)
New York—John Hardy has appointed a new CEO, the second person to hold the role this year.
The jewelry brand chose luxury executive Jan-Patrick Schmitz to head the company, replacing interim CEO Audrey Finci, who will stay on as an advisor and board member.
Finci took on the role of interim CEO after the departure of Frédéric Levy, who joined the company in January.
The company did not respond to a request for comment on when and why Levy left the company.
New CEO Schmitz will bring his consumer and retailer experience to the role.
"Patrick brings valuable knowledge of the luxury market, a deep understanding of today's consumer, and a history of building and growing premier luxury goods businesses,” said Finci.
“He also embodies the level of determination, drive, and passion that makes John Hardy so unique, and we're thrilled to welcome him to the family."
Prior to joining John Hardy, Schmitz was the CEO of Muirbury & Co., an independent firm he founded that develops consumer brands across several sectors.
He also served as the global CEO and chairman of the management board of Wüsthof Group, a German knives company.
Earlier in his career, Schmitz spent about 20 years at Richemont, holding various senior leadership roles at Montblanc, including president and CEO of Montblanc North America, head of supply chain management, and president and CEO of Montblanc Japan.
Schmitz also holds several director roles for luxury goods and consumer-focused brands, including Timeless Wines, Thornwillow, and Pollaro.
Related stories will be right here …
The jewelry brand chose luxury executive Jan-Patrick Schmitz to head the company, replacing interim CEO Audrey Finci, who will stay on as an advisor and board member.
Finci took on the role of interim CEO after the departure of Frédéric Levy, who joined the company in January.
The company did not respond to a request for comment on when and why Levy left the company.
New CEO Schmitz will bring his consumer and retailer experience to the role.
"Patrick brings valuable knowledge of the luxury market, a deep understanding of today's consumer, and a history of building and growing premier luxury goods businesses,” said Finci.
“He also embodies the level of determination, drive, and passion that makes John Hardy so unique, and we're thrilled to welcome him to the family."
Prior to joining John Hardy, Schmitz was the CEO of Muirbury & Co., an independent firm he founded that develops consumer brands across several sectors.
He also served as the global CEO and chairman of the management board of Wüsthof Group, a German knives company.
Earlier in his career, Schmitz spent about 20 years at Richemont, holding various senior leadership roles at Montblanc, including president and CEO of Montblanc North America, head of supply chain management, and president and CEO of Montblanc Japan.
Schmitz also holds several director roles for luxury goods and consumer-focused brands, including Timeless Wines, Thornwillow, and Pollaro.
Reed Krakoff, creative chairman of John Hardy, said, "Patrick's successful track record gives us the utmost confidence that he will create exciting new opportunities for John Hardy. I look forward to guiding John Hardy together. With his curated expertise and strong alignment with our culture, we are confident Patrick is the right person to lead John Hardy through this next chapter."
Schmitz also expressed his excitement about joining the John Hardy team.
"John Hardy prides itself on its authenticity and community values, and I look forward to contributing to the company's success while upholding the brand's important commitment to sustainable luxury business practices and craftsmanship," he said.
"I'm excited to work closely with Reed and the rest of the talented team as we build on John Hardy's artisan heritage to accelerate growth."
IndependentsJun 27, 2023
London Jewelers Names New COO 
IndependentsMay 23, 2023
Pat Henneberry Joins VeerMore on Majors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
