MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerMajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps Down
Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
Jean-Christophe Bédos is stepping down after 13 years as the president, CEO, and director of Birks Group Inc. in Montreal.
Montreal—Jean-Christophe Bédos, the president, CEO, and director of Montreal-based jewelry retailer Birks Group Inc., has stepped down after 13 years.
The change, which was effective Friday, comes amid a company repositioning for stability and long-term growth.
Bédos will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity during the leadership transition, and a search for a new president and CEO will take place “in due course,” the company said.
In the meantime, Niccolò Rossi di Montelera will serve as interim CEO, a role he will take on in addition to his current position as executive chairman of the board.
Montelera was elected to Birks’ board of directors in September 2010. He served as vice chairman of the board from June 2015 until January 2017, when he was appointed executive chairman.
Board member Davide Barberis Canonico will serve as the retailer’s interim president and chief operating officer and will assume day-to-day leadership responsibilities.
Canonico has 12 years of service on the board, as well as extensive leadership experience, having held CEO roles at several companies, Birks said.
Montelera thanked Bédos for his leadership and dedication during his tenure.
“Under Jean-Christophe’s leadership, the company developed the Birks product brand, developed partnerships with renowned global brands, and was able to navigate through some difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“A leadership transition is an important step as we refocus the company’s priorities.”
He also acknowledged Bédos’ decision to stay on as an advisor.
“This continuity will help ensure a smooth transition and allow the company to move forward with confidence and clarity,” said Montelera.
Related stories will be right here …
The change, which was effective Friday, comes amid a company repositioning for stability and long-term growth.
Bédos will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity during the leadership transition, and a search for a new president and CEO will take place “in due course,” the company said.
In the meantime, Niccolò Rossi di Montelera will serve as interim CEO, a role he will take on in addition to his current position as executive chairman of the board.
Montelera was elected to Birks’ board of directors in September 2010. He served as vice chairman of the board from June 2015 until January 2017, when he was appointed executive chairman.
Board member Davide Barberis Canonico will serve as the retailer’s interim president and chief operating officer and will assume day-to-day leadership responsibilities.
Canonico has 12 years of service on the board, as well as extensive leadership experience, having held CEO roles at several companies, Birks said.
Montelera thanked Bédos for his leadership and dedication during his tenure.
“Under Jean-Christophe’s leadership, the company developed the Birks product brand, developed partnerships with renowned global brands, and was able to navigate through some difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“A leadership transition is an important step as we refocus the company’s priorities.”
He also acknowledged Bédos’ decision to stay on as an advisor.
“This continuity will help ensure a smooth transition and allow the company to move forward with confidence and clarity,” said Montelera.
“It has been an honor to serve as president and CEO of Birks Group. I would like to thank the Rossi di Montelera family, as well as the board of directors and every employee of the company for their trust and their support over the last 13 years,” Bédos said.
“Leading Birks Group through both successes and challenges has been a deeply meaningful experience. I am proud of the team’s commitment and resilience and what the team has accomplished over the last 13 years, including during some challenging periods. I remain confident in the team’s ability to steer the company toward a stronger future.”
Bédos, who was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 2017, held other executive roles before joining Birks.
He spent more than a decade at Cartier and its parent company, Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, before moving to Boucheron International, where he served as president and CEO for seven years.
He said he believes the time is right for a leadership transition at Birks Group.
“While Birks Group has faced important industry challenges and softer-than-expected performance in recent years, the company remains committed to operational discipline, excellent client service, and value creation for its shareholders,” he said.
Canonico said he is honored and grateful for his new role.
“I look forward to working closely with our teams to drive improved performance through a disciplined focus on operational excellence and delivering exceptional value to our clients,” he said.
Founded in 1879, Birks Group is a designer and retailer of fine jewelry, timepieces, and gifts. It operates 17 stores across Canada.
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
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.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
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.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
