The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
John Hardy CEO Robert Hanson Steps Down
Chief Revenue Officer Kareen Gahed will take over while Hanson serves as a non-executive chairman of the board.

New York—John Hardy CEO Robert Hanson is stepping down, the luxury jeweler announced Thursday, bringing some shake-up to the executive board.
Hanson has held the role since 2014. He will now serve as non-executive chairman of the board.
Hanson will join Constellation Brands, the alcoholic beverage company behind Corona and Modelo, as its new executive vice president and the president of its wine and spirits division on June 3, the company announced Friday.
He was previously a director at the company but resigned from the board to fill the new role.
Hanson also sits on the board of directors at Canopy Growth, the first publicly-traded cannabis company in North America, in which Constellation invested $4 billion back in August 2018.
The retail veteran previously served as John Hardy’s senior vice president of operations, also holding positions at Abercrombie & Fitch and Aeropostale, as per his LinkedIn profile.
“It is an honor to become the next CEO of John Hardy, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work closely with Robert, Audrey and the entire board and management team as we continue to build momentum,” Gahed said in a statement.
Gahed will take over merchandising and marketing operations immediately, while Hanson will continue overseeing product creation, operations and finance until the transition period has ended.
The transition is expected to occur over the next three quarters, a company spokesperson confirmed.
Audrey Finci, current chief operating officer and chief financial officer, will take on the added role of president.
Finci previously served as executive vice president of Disney’s consumer products division and also held corporate strategy and operations roles at Levi Strauss & Co and Gap Inc.
The Latest

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.


Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.























