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Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry Empire
Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”
Kendra Scott is once again the CEO of her namesake company following several C-suite resignations.
Austin, Texas—Kendra Scott is back at the helm of her eponymous jewelry brand, for now.
The move, first reported by AdWeek on Aug. 15, follows the departure of three C-suite executives, including CEO Tom Nolan, Chief Financial Officer Jason Friesen, and Chief People Officer Danielle Stewart.
In a LinkedIn post shared Monday, Nolan shared his thoughts on leaving the company after 11 years and the gratitude he feels toward Scott.
“From Day 1, I witnessed Kendra’s vision, tenacity, kindness, and purpose-driven passion. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to help build on that foundation to work alongside a true friend and our amazing team in shaping a brand that touches lives far beyond jewelry,” he wrote.
Their resignations were part of the transition into a new phase of expansion, a company spokesperson said, adding the retailer is “grateful for the leadership, expertise, and vision they brought to Kendra Scott.”
Scott was the CEO of her company from its founding in 2002 until 2021, when she handed the reins to Nolan and took on the role of executive chairwoman. She will now serve as interim CEO.
Neal Bronzo will serve as the interim CFO and chief operating officer.
Bronzo has been with the company since 2021 and most recently served as chief of staff. He held the interim CFO role once before in 2022, as per his LinkedIn profile.
Beth Ley, a human resources executive who was with the company for seven years before departing in 2022, as per LinkedIn, will return to her role as chief people officer on Sept. 2.
Related stories will be right here …
The move, first reported by AdWeek on Aug. 15, follows the departure of three C-suite executives, including CEO Tom Nolan, Chief Financial Officer Jason Friesen, and Chief People Officer Danielle Stewart.
In a LinkedIn post shared Monday, Nolan shared his thoughts on leaving the company after 11 years and the gratitude he feels toward Scott.
“From Day 1, I witnessed Kendra’s vision, tenacity, kindness, and purpose-driven passion. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to help build on that foundation to work alongside a true friend and our amazing team in shaping a brand that touches lives far beyond jewelry,” he wrote.
Their resignations were part of the transition into a new phase of expansion, a company spokesperson said, adding the retailer is “grateful for the leadership, expertise, and vision they brought to Kendra Scott.”
Scott was the CEO of her company from its founding in 2002 until 2021, when she handed the reins to Nolan and took on the role of executive chairwoman. She will now serve as interim CEO.
Neal Bronzo will serve as the interim CFO and chief operating officer.
Bronzo has been with the company since 2021 and most recently served as chief of staff. He held the interim CFO role once before in 2022, as per his LinkedIn profile.
Beth Ley, a human resources executive who was with the company for seven years before departing in 2022, as per LinkedIn, will return to her role as chief people officer on Sept. 2.
Scott recently increased her majority ownership stake in the company through a 65 Equity transaction.
The private equity firm acquired a “significant” minority stake in Kendra Scott in September 2024.
The move to increase her stake signals a deep long-term commitment to the brand she built from the ground up, the company said.
Scott started her jewelry and accessories company just three months after the birth of her son, with only $500 to invest in her start-up, based out of a spare bedroom.
She is one of the richest women in America, landing at No. 41 on the 2025 Forbes “Richest Self-Made Women” list, with an estimated worth of $900 million.
“With a customer-first mission, a talented and dedicated team, and the momentum of a record-breaking year, the brand is well-positioned to build on its success and deliver meaningful products and experiences for our customers worldwide,” the company said.
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