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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.
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