Birks Group Inc., a leading designer of fine jewelry and an operator of luxury jewelry, timepieces and gifts retail stores in Canada, has announced that Jean-Christophe Bédos, the company’s President and CEO and Director, is stepping down from his role, effective August 29.
He will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity during the leadership transition. The decision comes as the company repositions itself for stability and long-term growth, it said.
Birks said an executive search for a new President and CEO will take place in due course. In the interim, Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, in addition to being the company’s Executive Chairman of the Board, was appointed as Interim CEO. Montelera was elected to the company’s Board of Directors in September 2010 and has served as Vice-Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors from June 2015 until being appointed Executive Chairman of the Board in January 2017.
Davide Barberis Canonico, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, was appointed Interim President and Chief Operating Officer. With 12 years of service on the company’s Board of Directors, Canonico brings extensive leadership experience, having held CEO roles at several companies. He will assume day-to-day leadership responsibilities, explained Birks.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Jean-Christophe for his leadership and dedication during his 13 years with Birks Group. Under Jean-Christophe’s leadership, the Company developed the Birks product brand, developed partnerships with renowned global brands and was able to navigate through some difficult times, including the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Rossi di Montelera.
“We are grateful for Jean-Christophe’s dedication throughout his 13-year tenure. A leadership transition is an important step as we refocus the company’s priorities. I would also like to thank Jean-Christophe for deciding to stay on as an advisor. This continuity will help ensure a smooth transition and allow the company to move forward with confidence and clarity.”
Birks operates 17 stores under the Maison Birks brand in most major metropolitan markets in Canada, one retail location in Montreal under the Birks brand, one retail location in Montreal under the TimeVallée brand, one retail location in Calgary under the Brinkhaus brand, one retail location in Vancouver under the Graff brand, one retail location in Vancouver under the Patek Philippe brand, four retail locations in Laval, Ottawa and Toronto under the Breitling brand, four retail locations in Toronto under the European Boutique brand, one retail location in Toronto under the Omega brand and one retail location in Toronto under the Montblanc brand. Birks was founded in 1879 and has become Canada’s premier designer and retailer of fine jewelry, timepieces and gifts.
“It has been an honour to serve as President and CEO of Birks Group. I would like to thank the Rossi di Montelera family, as well as the Board of Directors and every employee of the Company for their trust and their support over the last 13 years,” said Bédos. “Leading Birks Group through both successes and challenges has been a deeply meaningful experience. I am proud of the team’s commitment and resilience and what the team has accomplished over the last 13 years, including during some challenging periods. I remain confident in the team’s ability to steer the Company toward a stronger future.” Mr. Bédos continued, “While Birks Group has faced important industry challenges and softer-than-expected performance in recent years, the Company remains committed to operational discipline, excellent client service and value creation for its shareholders. After careful reflection, I believe the time is right for a leadership transition and I look forward to continuing to support the Company in an advisory role as it enters a new phase.”
Canonico commented: “I am honoured and grateful to the Board of Directors for the opportunity to lead the Company. I would also like to thank Jean-Christophe for his dedication over the past 13 years. I look forward to working closely with our teams to drive improved performance through a disciplined focus on operational excellence and delivering exceptional value to our clients.”
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