Kendra Scott has created a new senior leadership role as it looks to scale its brand globally and diversify its product offering.
The retailer has named Adrienne Gernand as its first chief business officer, effective April 27, according to a company release. In the role, Gernand will oversee category expansion and international growth as the brand looks to broaden its reach beyond its core business.
Gernand brings experience from multiple Gap Inc. banners, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, as well as The Children’s Place. Her background spans scaling retail brands, entering new markets, optimising store portfolios and forming strategic partnerships.
CEO Chris Blakeslee is reshaping the leadership team as part of a broader push to expand the business and evolve the brand’s positioning. Gernand will join on the same day as incoming CFO Mike McMullen, who previously held the top finance role at YETI.
“We are investing in world-class leadership and strengthening our global retail capabilities as we evolve into an attainable luxury house,” Blakeslee said in a statement.
He added that Gernand’s experience positions her to unlock new growth avenues for the business. “Her appointment lays the foundation for advancing the brand onto the global stage and into new product categories,” Blakeslee said. “Her ability to navigate complex retail environments, spanning emerging companies to large, established organizations, makes her uniquely qualified to accelerate our expansion strategy.”
Related Story
Blakeslee, who previously led Athleta, took on the CEO role in January following the departure of Tom Nolan. Founder Kendra Scott stepped down as CEO in 2021 but remains executive chairwoman, chief visionary officer and majority shareholder.
The company has been steadily expanding into new categories and channels in recent years. In 2024, it secured a minority investment from 65 Equity Partners to support growth across geographies and product lines.
Kendra Scott has also broadened its assortment beyond jewellery, launching a fragrance line in 2023 and a lab-grown diamond collection in 2024, alongside moves into eyewear and footwear.
The retailer has also experimented with new retail concepts, including the launch of Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott in 2023. The Western-inspired lifestyle brand spans apparel, accessories and home goods, and has expanded its physical footprint, including a Nashville location featuring a cocktail bar.
The latest executive appointment signals a continued focus on scaling those initiatives, with leadership now aligned around accelerating both category diversification and international expansion.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
