SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
MajorsFeb 03, 2021
Kendra Scott Stepping Down as CEO of Her Company
President Tom Nolan will take over at the accessories company, while Scott remains executive chairwoman.
Kendra Scott President Tom Nolan has been named CEO of the accessories company, effective immediately. He takes over for the company’s namesake, Kendra Scott, who launched her business in 2002 and has been CEO ever since.
Austin, Texas—After nearly 20 years leading the accessories company she started, Kendra Scott is taking a step back.
Scott’s eponymous company announced via a news release Monday that she is stepping down as CEO and will be replaced by company President Tom Nolan, effective immediately.
She will remain the company’s executive chairman and its majority owner, guiding design, customer experience and philanthropy.
Scott started her company in 2002, three months after the birth of her son and with $500 to invest. 
The brand is also sold in Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, as well as in 600 specialty boutiques worldwide and online.
Scott has been the subject of numerous how-she-built-it business profiles over the years and is a professor of practice at the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas in Austin, which she founded.
She also is one of the richest self-made women in America, according to Forbes, with the 46-year-old ranking No. 47 on the magazine’s 2020 list.
Forbes puts her estimated net worth at $510 million.
Kendra Scott’s new CEO, Nolan, joined the company’s board in 2014 and became its chief revenue and marketing officer in 2016.
He was promoted to president in 2019 and worked on omnichannel and expanding the brand’s retail footprint as well as its wholesale distribution.
He also worked alongside Scott on opening a flagship store in Austin in 2018, the 2017 investment by Berkshire Partners that valued the company at $1 billion, and the opening of the women’s leadership institute at the University of Texas.
Prior to joining Kendra Scott, Nolan held executive positions at Ralph Lauren, Condé Nast and was the founder and CEO of Prospect Brands.
In the release, Scott called Nolan “an incredible thought partner” and a “wonderful steward of the brand.”
“During this extraordinary time of retail transformation, there has been no better person to partner with me on building the brand and the business,” Scott said. “Tom is an experienced executive with a relentless focus on the customer, operational rigor, and strong expertise in digital transformation.
“With Tom at my side as CEO, I can continue to focus on what I have always seen as the core of the brand—great design, strong philanthropic impact and a
continued commitment to our customer.”
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
