SourcingJan 27, 2025
Dev Shetty To Head New Auction House for Rare Colored GemsMajorsJan 29, 2025
Chanel Names New General Manager of Watches, Fine Jewelry for US
Olivier Kessler-Gay will take over the role on March 3.
Olivier Kessler-Gay, Chanel’s new general manager of watches and fine jewelry for the United States, previously held roles at Pandora and Cartier.
New York—Chanel, Inc. has appointed Olivier Kessler-Gay as its general manager of watches and fine jewelry for the United States.
He will take over the role on March 3.
Kessler-Gay will lead the long-term strategic vision for the division as the company aspires to scale its watches and fine jewelry business in the U.S. He will report to Stéphane Blanchard, president of the U.S. region and Chanel Inc.
Chanel said Kessler-Gay is a leader who has “consistently fostered strong engagement with his teams and created a collaborative culture, inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.”
He brings to the role more than 25 years of experience in watches and fine jewelry and apparel retail.
Most recently, he served as Pandora’s general manager for Western Europe, which includes Spain, Portugal, and France. In the position, he doubled the size of the business, reshaped company culture, and elevated brand awareness, Chanel said.
Related stories will be right here …
He will take over the role on March 3.
Kessler-Gay will lead the long-term strategic vision for the division as the company aspires to scale its watches and fine jewelry business in the U.S. He will report to Stéphane Blanchard, president of the U.S. region and Chanel Inc.
Chanel said Kessler-Gay is a leader who has “consistently fostered strong engagement with his teams and created a collaborative culture, inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.”
He brings to the role more than 25 years of experience in watches and fine jewelry and apparel retail.
Most recently, he served as Pandora’s general manager for Western Europe, which includes Spain, Portugal, and France. In the position, he doubled the size of the business, reshaped company culture, and elevated brand awareness, Chanel said.
Prior to working at Pandora, he spent four years at American Apparel and footwear company VF Corporation, which is known for its popular outdoor and lifestyle brands such as North Face and Timberland.
There, as vice president and general manager of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, he built and scaled the corporation’s global brands through innovative vision and strategic regional positioning, Chanel said.
Kessler-Gay began his career at Cartier, where he held various roles across sales, marketing, and merchandising over nearly 20 years.
He spearheaded the jeweler’s market expansions across the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and Eastern Europe, and he later became managing director for Spain and Portugal, which Chanel said became Cartier's top-performing European region.
"I am confident that Olivier's extensive experience equips him to navigate our complex landscape and drive the U.S. watches and fine jewelry division forward, in partnership with the U.S. leadership team," said Blanchard.
Gay-Kessler added, "I'm very honored and grateful to be joining such an iconic and legendary brand, with a strong ambition, in one of the world's leading markets."
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
