MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO
Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Chris Blakeslee will become the new CEO of Kendra Scott Design Inc. on Jan. 12.
Austin, Texas—Kendra Scott Design Inc. has named a new CEO, five months after its eponymous founder returned to run the brand following the exit of three C-suite executives.
The Austin, Texas-based jewelry company announced Tuesday that it has hired Chris Blakeslee as its new CEO, effective Jan. 12.
The company’s founder, Kendra Scott, had been serving as interim CEO since August after the departures of CEO Tom Nolan, Chief Financial Officer Jason Friesen, and Chief People Officer Danielle Stewart amid what the company described as a new phase of expansion.
Scott will remain with the company, continuing in the roles of executive chairwoman, majority shareholder, and chief visionary officer.
Blakeslee’s LinkedIn profile shows that his most recent experience was in the activewear space.
He spent nearly six years as president of Alo Yoga and Bella + Canvas, which is owned by the same company as Alo and sells blank T-shirts for custom printing, and 2 1/2 years as president and CEO and strategic advisor to Gap-owned activewear brand Athleta.
While at Alo, Blakeslee worked with the brand’s co-founders to grow the athleticwear company from under $50 million in revenue to a $1 billion-plus business in less than five years, Kendra Scott Design said in the news release announcing his hire.
Related stories will be right here …
The Austin, Texas-based jewelry company announced Tuesday that it has hired Chris Blakeslee as its new CEO, effective Jan. 12.
The company’s founder, Kendra Scott, had been serving as interim CEO since August after the departures of CEO Tom Nolan, Chief Financial Officer Jason Friesen, and Chief People Officer Danielle Stewart amid what the company described as a new phase of expansion.
Scott will remain with the company, continuing in the roles of executive chairwoman, majority shareholder, and chief visionary officer.
Blakeslee’s LinkedIn profile shows that his most recent experience was in the activewear space.
He spent nearly six years as president of Alo Yoga and Bella + Canvas, which is owned by the same company as Alo and sells blank T-shirts for custom printing, and 2 1/2 years as president and CEO and strategic advisor to Gap-owned activewear brand Athleta.
While at Alo, Blakeslee worked with the brand’s co-founders to grow the athleticwear company from under $50 million in revenue to a $1 billion-plus business in less than five years, Kendra Scott Design said in the news release announcing his hire.
The company described him as a “proven growth architect” who brings the strategic and operational expertise required to evolve Kendra Scott into a global iconic brand.
Scott said Blakeslee understands her brand’s “customer-first” mission.
“His forward-looking vision strengthens our holistic brand world, where product, environment, community, and culture work seamlessly together,” she said.
“Chris honors my vision while adding a dynamic perspective, making him the ideal steward for our next phase of growth.”
Scott started her eponymous company in 2002.
Today, Kendra Scott Designs has more than 1,000 specialty boutiques, and more than 165 namesake experiential stores, pop-up locations, and wholesale partners, including Nordstrom and Dillard’s.
It employs about 3,200 people.
The company sells fashion, demi-fine, and fine jewelry, as well as watches, eyewear, fragrance, and home accessories.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
