Majors

Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

MajorsSep 30, 2025

Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
Pandora President and CEO Alexander Lacik, left, will step down in March 2026. Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier, right, will take over as president and CEO.
Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora announced this morning that President and CEO Alexander Lacik, who led the jewelry company’s turnaround and ushered in a period of stability, will retire in early 2026.

The company’s chief marketing officer, Berta de Pablos-Barbier, will take over as president and CEO.

The 60-year-old Lacik joined Pandora in early 2019 with 30 years’ experience in the consumer goods sector.

He was tasked with executing back-to-back two-year turnaround plans, “Progamme Now,” and “Phoenix.”

“Programme Now” focused on cutting costs and stabilizing sales for the then-struggling company.

The aim of “Phoenix” is to get consumers to see Pandora as a full jewelry brand, not just a company that sells charm bracelets, a shift that Pablos-Barbier has been instrumental in orchestrating. 

Pablos-Barbier came on board as CMO and a member of Pandora’s executive leadership team in November 2024.

As CMO, Pandora said she has successfully led its positioning as a full jewelry brand, infusing its product assortment and marketing with innovation and helping the company’s brand awareness reach an all-time high. 

Pablos-Barbier is a Spanish national who has 30 years of international executive experience. 

Before joining Pandora, she was president and CEO of LVMH-owned champagne brands Moët & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and Mercier; chief growth officer of Mars Wrigley; CMO of Lacoste; and vice president of marketing and communications Kering-owned Boucheron.

Pablos-Barbier will be the first woman to lead Pandora. 

She said she is honored to succeed Lacik as CEO.

“Under his leadership, Pandora has become an iconic global brand, and we have charted a path to sustained growth for years to come as an accessible jewelry company,” Pablos-Barbier said. 

“Even though we are the largest in our industry, Pandora still holds significant untapped potential, and I am excited to work with our amazing organization and lead the company in this next chapter.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

The company said her appointment follows a “diligent” global CEO search process for an executive to succeed Lacik. 

“The board is delighted that Berta de Pablos-Barbier will be Pandora’s next CEO. Together with Alexander Lacik, we brought her on board as a possible CEO candidate, and during our search she stood out as the clear number one,” said Peter Ruzicka, chair of Pandora’s board of directors.

“She is a visionary leader with great analytical skills and a perfect mix of experience from top brands across luxury, fashion, and fast-moving consumer goods. She is the right person to lead our continued growth.”  

Lacik officially will step down in March 2026 at the company’s annual general meeting.

During his tenure, Panora noted that revenue has increased by 45 percent, while the company’s global workforce has expanded from 24,000 to 37,000 employees, a 54 percent increase. 

“After more than 30 years leading global brands and seven years in charge of Pandora, the time has come for me to retire and spend my energy elsewhere,” he said. 

“Leading Pandora has been the greatest experience of my professional life, and I am extremely proud of the results we have achieved.” 

The Latest

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Bonhams US headquarters
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
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.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
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.

Front of Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ brooch
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

Audemars Piguet Grosse Pièce
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at Auction

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

Diamond ring in parts
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Service

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Terry and Cindy Chandler at AGS Conclave
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and Friends

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

Rendering of Bob’s Watches JFK airport store
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK Airport

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat Them

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

Fabergé egg pendant near gloved hand
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Snake Necklace, Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace, Vanessa Fernandez Studio Curva Wrap Hoops, Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace, Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings, Marla Aaron Nymphenburg Lock, Lof The Valentine Ring
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week Picks

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

Lucy Hale in Jacquie Aiche’s Love and Desire Campaign
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday Campaign

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

SSEF logo
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Pandora Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up Early

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

JAR pendant brooch, fancy intense blue diamond
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQ

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026

Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy