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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.
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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.
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