By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The Kendra Scott lifestyle brand has announced the appointment of Chris Blakeslee as the company’s new chief executive officer effective January 12.
The company founder, Kendra Scott, will continue in her roles as chief visionary officer, executive chairwoman and majority shareholder.
“Kendra has built an extraordinary brand grounded in a deeply customer-first, experience-driven approach,” said Chris Blakeslee, chief executive officer. “I’m energized by the opportunity to bring the world of Kendra Scott to life in richer, more immersive ways across product, environment, community, and culture—building on the strong foundation already in place as we shape the brand’s next era.”
In his new role at the company, Blakeslee will use his strategic and operational expertise to further expand the Kendra Scott brand into new retail markets and consumer product categories.
Prior to joining Kendra Scott, Blakeslee served in leadership roles for lifestyle and fashion companies such as Alo Yoga, BELLA+CANVAS, Athleta and Unspun.
This included significant experience in working with founder-led brands.
“Chris understands our customer-first mission, and I’m excited to see him lead with purpose—driving strategic growth and deepening brand affinity,” said Scott. “His forward-looking vision strengthens our holistic brand world, where product, environment, community and culture work seamlessly together. Chris honors my vision while adding a dynamic perspective, making him the ideal steward for our next phase of growth.”
Founded in 2002, Kendra Scott is a jewelry and lifestyle brand that is known for its designs, use of color and signature shapes.
The brand offers a wide variety of items across fashion, jewelry, watches, engagement rings, fragrances, home accessories, footwear and more.
The company distributes its products through an omni-channel network of namesake stores, pop-up locations, wholesale partners and specialty boutiques.
Since 2010, the company has donated over 70 million dollars to philanthropic organizations, including through the Kendra Scott Foundation’s childhood literacy initiative, Yellow Library.
Image Credit: CEO Chris Blakeslee, PRNewsfoto/Kendra Scott.