Swarovski appoints first non-family CEO

Swarovski has named Alexis Nasard as the company’s first external chief executive officer (CEO), effective on 4 July. This marks a further step in the jewellers transition from a family-managed to a family-owned business. Nasard is the first leader from outside the Swarovski family to hold this role in the 127-year-history of the luxury brand. Swarovski said that in his new role, Nasard’s most important task will be to anchor the Swarovski brand in its luxury heritage, and lead the transformation of the Swarovski business along the full value chain for scale and profitable growth. Nasard brings a range of leadership experience to the role, with a track record as a CEO and skills in brand building and innovation across global markets for both fashion and fast-moving consumer goods. Meanwhile, Michele Molon, Swarovski’s interim leader for the past nine months of the leadership transition, has been appointed to the newly established key position of chief commercial officer. Additionally, in November last year, Swarovski announced five appointments for its first ever independent directors, alongside three family members of the fifth generation. Luisa Delgado, chair of the board of directors, said: “With the appointment of Swarovski’s first external CEO, we are taking an important further step in establishing a sustainable governance model. With Alexis Nasard as the new CEO, we are very pleased to have been able to select a highly experienced and transformational leadership personality. “On behalf of the entire board of directors, I wish to extend our special gratitude to Michele Molon for assuming temporary responsibility during the transition of the last few months, and to commend him for his important work as interim CEO. I am grateful to him for his continued service to the company in the key role of chief commercial officer.” Nasard added: “I am excited to be joining Swarovski and look forward to the challenge of leading the initiated Swarovski brand elevation and business transformation that starts to be visible in the market. “I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues around the world and partnering with Giovanna Engelbert, the Swarovski creative director, to implement the joint transformation plan to bring joy and delight to Swarovski customers worldwide.”