WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOMajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business Officer
The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Mike McMullen (left) is the new chief financial officer of Kendra Scott, while Adrienne Gernand will serve as its first chief business officer, effective April 27.
Austin, Texas—Kendra Scott has named two new executives to its leadership team as it continues its expansion plans.
"We are investing in world-class leadership and strengthening our global retail capabilities as we evolve into an attainable luxury house," said Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee, who took the reins earlier this year.
The jewelry retailer said it plans to open 20 more locations this year.
Mike McMullen is its new chief financial officer, while Adrienne Gernand will serve as its first chief business officer, both effective April 27.
McMullen has more than 20 years of experience working with branded consumer products, including Yeti and Dell.
He led Yeti through a strong growth period and its eventual IPO, said Kendra Scott.
McMullen succeeds former CFO Jason Friesen who stepped down last year alongside CEO Tom Nolan and Chief People Officer Danielle Stewart as part of a C-suite shakeup that left founder Kendra Scott at the helm temporarily.
"Mike understands how to scale a business driven by a customer-first mission and has experience in driving meaningful transformations," said Blakeslee.
"With leadership experience shaping and growing household brands, he brings the financial acumen and business-building mindset we need as we expand into new categories and pursue global growth. We're excited for the leadership he will bring as we continue building the House of Kendra Scott."
McMullen said he is excited to “join the team and help build value across the enterprise, ushering in the company's next chapter of growth, influence and impact."
Gernand is stepping into a newly created role, tasked with leading the jewelry retailer’s global strategy and category expansion.
Her background is in retail, wholesale, licensing, and real estate, previously working for Gap Inc., whose portfolio includes Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, and The Children’s Place.
At Gap Inc., Gernand oversaw its international portfolio spanning more than 40 countries, helping the company grow through wholesale expansion and licensing.
“Adrienne has a proven track record for identifying high potential growth opportunities. Her appointment lays the foundation for advancing the brand onto the global stage and into new product categories," said Blakeslee.
"Her ability to navigate complex retail environments, spanning emerging companies to large, established organizations, makes her uniquely qualified to accelerate our expansion strategy."
Gernand said it’s an exciting time to join the Kendra Scott team.
"I look forward to building on the company's strong customer-first foundation and shaping a future-ready strategic partnership portfolio that supports Kendra and Chris' vision for globalization,” she said.
Related stories will be right here …
"We are investing in world-class leadership and strengthening our global retail capabilities as we evolve into an attainable luxury house," said Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee, who took the reins earlier this year.
The jewelry retailer said it plans to open 20 more locations this year.
Mike McMullen is its new chief financial officer, while Adrienne Gernand will serve as its first chief business officer, both effective April 27.
McMullen has more than 20 years of experience working with branded consumer products, including Yeti and Dell.
He led Yeti through a strong growth period and its eventual IPO, said Kendra Scott.
McMullen succeeds former CFO Jason Friesen who stepped down last year alongside CEO Tom Nolan and Chief People Officer Danielle Stewart as part of a C-suite shakeup that left founder Kendra Scott at the helm temporarily.
"Mike understands how to scale a business driven by a customer-first mission and has experience in driving meaningful transformations," said Blakeslee.
"With leadership experience shaping and growing household brands, he brings the financial acumen and business-building mindset we need as we expand into new categories and pursue global growth. We're excited for the leadership he will bring as we continue building the House of Kendra Scott."
McMullen said he is excited to “join the team and help build value across the enterprise, ushering in the company's next chapter of growth, influence and impact."
Gernand is stepping into a newly created role, tasked with leading the jewelry retailer’s global strategy and category expansion.
Her background is in retail, wholesale, licensing, and real estate, previously working for Gap Inc., whose portfolio includes Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, and The Children’s Place.
At Gap Inc., Gernand oversaw its international portfolio spanning more than 40 countries, helping the company grow through wholesale expansion and licensing.
“Adrienne has a proven track record for identifying high potential growth opportunities. Her appointment lays the foundation for advancing the brand onto the global stage and into new product categories," said Blakeslee.
"Her ability to navigate complex retail environments, spanning emerging companies to large, established organizations, makes her uniquely qualified to accelerate our expansion strategy."
Gernand said it’s an exciting time to join the Kendra Scott team.
"I look forward to building on the company's strong customer-first foundation and shaping a future-ready strategic partnership portfolio that supports Kendra and Chris' vision for globalization,” she said.
The company said it will continue to strengthen its core jewelry business while also expanding into new categories, including eyewear and footwear, as it evolves into a lifestyle brand.
The retailer also operates Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, an extension of the brand inspired by founder Kendra Scott’s Yellow Rose Ranch in Texas.
Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott in Nashville, Tennessee, its first location outside of Texas
The retail spaces feature a curation of jewelry, boots, hats, and apparel, including its signature Color Bar and a bespoke hat customization atelier.
There are three locations in Texas and a new flagship in Nashville, Tennessee, which opened last month.
The new flagship features Beau’s Bar, a Western-themed cocktail bar, marking its first foray into hospitality.
“From Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott's expansive lifestyle offering to its debut into hospitality, the brand's evolution underscores strong consumer demand for more immersive, experience-led lifestyle engagement. The company remains focused on driving industry innovation,” said the company.
More on Majors
The Latest
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
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.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
