Kendra Scott eyes global growth with new chief business officer Adrienne Gernand

American lifestyle brand Kendra Scott has announced the appointment of Adrienne Gernand to the newly created role of chief business officer (CBO), effective April 27, 2026. Gernand joins the executive leadership team with a mandate to oversee transformative growth and strategic category expansion as the company transitions toward becoming a global house of attainable luxury.

The appointment follows the recent addition of Mike McMullen as chief financial officer (CFO), signaling a broader restructuring of the senior management tier. Gernand brings extensive experience in international retail, wholesale, and licensing, having previously held senior positions at US retail conglomerate Gap and childrenswear retailer The Children’s Place.

During her tenure at Gap, Gernand managed the international portfolio across more than 40 countries, leading growth through licensing and wholesale partnerships. Her expertise includes the optimization of real estate portfolios and the implementation of market entry models for brands including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta.

Strategic expansion into new categories

In her role as CBO, Gernand will be responsible for scaling the brand’s operations and advancing the vision of the House of Kendra Scott. This strategy involves diversifying the product offering beyond the core jewelry business into categories such as eyewear and footwear.

Kendra Scott chief executive officer Chris Blakeslee stated that Gernand has a proven track record for identifying high potential growth opportunities. Blakeslee noted that her appointment lays the foundation for advancing the brand onto the global stage and into new product categories.

Gernand expressed her intention to build on the company’s customer-first foundation and shape a future-ready strategic partnership portfolio. The executive team intends to leverage the momentum of recent launches, including the western-inspired line Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, which has expanded into hospitality and immersive lifestyle engagement.

Founded in 2002 by executive chairwoman and chief visionary officer Kendra Scott, the Austin-based company has grown from a jewelry startup into a multifaceted lifestyle brand. The current portfolio includes fashion, demi-fine and fine jewelry, watches, fragrance, and home accessories.