Kendra Scott names Mike McMullen as chief financial officer

US lifestyle brand Kendra Scott has appointed Mike McMullen as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective April 27. The executive joins the Austin-based company to oversee financial and operational strategies during a period of planned domestic and international expansion.

McMullen brings more than 20 years of experience in the consumer products sector, having previously held leadership roles at US outdoor manufacturer Yeti and US technology firm Dell. During his tenure at Yeti, McMullen was instrumental in managing the brand during its initial public offering and the subsequent scaling of its international and direct to consumer (D2C) channels.

Strategic growth and category expansion

The appointment comes as Kendra Scott executes a long-range strategic plan focused on diversification. The brand has recently moved beyond its core jewelry offering into new categories, including eyewear, footwear, and fragrance.

Kendra Scott chief executive officer Chris Blakeslee stated that McMullen possesses the financial acumen required as the house expands into these new segments. Blakeslee noted that the new CFO has experience in driving transformations for household brands, which will be vital as the company pursues global growth.

Retail footprint and hospitality ventures

The company is currently experiencing momentum across its various sub-brands, including the western-inspired line Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott. To support this trajectory, the brand has announced plans to open 20 new stores in 2026. This will add to its existing network of over 165 experiential brick and mortar locations and pop-up sites.

Kendra Scott has also ventured into the hospitality sector with the opening of Beau’s Bar at Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott in Nashville. This move aligns with the company’s focus on its customer-centric omnichannel approach, which integrates its physical stores with wholesale partners such as Nordstrom and Dillard’s, as well as more than 1,000 specialty boutiques.

McMullen expressed his intention to build value across the enterprise while maintaining the brand pillars of family, fashion, and philanthropy. Since 2010, the company has donated more than 70 million dollars in monetary and in-kind contributions.

Kendra Scott, who serves as founder, executive chairwoman, and chief visionary officer, established the brand in 2002.