Kendra Scott Names Athleta CEO to Lead Brand’s Lifestyle Expansion

Kendra Scott, the U.S. lifestyle brand, has announced Chris Blakeslee as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 12th. This appointment marks a significant step for the company as it continues to expand its reach beyond jewelry into broader lifestyle categories.

Blakeslee brings a wealth of experience in the sporting apparel industry to Kendra Scott. Most recently, he served as CEO of Athleta, a brand owned by Gap Inc., for over two years. Prior to Athleta, he held the position of President at Alo Yoga, where he is credited with dramatically scaling the brand from under $50 million in revenue to over $1 billion in direct-to-consumer sales in under five years – a testament to his leadership and growth expertise.

Kendra Scott, who remains deeply involved as Chief Visionary Officer and Executive Chairwoman, expressed her enthusiasm for Blakeslee’s appointment. She highlighted his understanding of the brand’s customer-centric approach and his ability to drive strategic growth while fostering deeper brand loyalty. Scott emphasized that Blakeslee’s vision aligns with her own, strengthening the brand’s holistic ecosystem encompassing product, environment, community, and culture.

Over the past 23 years, Kendra Scott has successfully diversified its offerings, moving beyond its initial focus on jewelry to include eyewear, fragrance, and home goods. Recent initiatives include the launch of Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott and expansions into apparel, hats, and footwear, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to becoming a comprehensive lifestyle destination.

Under Blakeslee’s leadership, Kendra Scott intends to maintain a strong retail presence and continue expanding into new product categories. The company’s press release indicates a “bullish retail strategy” as a key component of its future growth plans. This builds on recent partnerships, such as the January 2023 licensing agreement with Marchon Eyewear to enter the eyewear market.

Blakeslee himself expressed his admiration for the brand Kendra Scott has built, emphasizing its customer-first and experience-driven philosophy. He is eager to enhance the brand’s presence across all facets – product, environment, community, and culture – building upon the existing foundation and shaping its next chapter of evolution.