A Strategic Pivot in Luxury Jewelry: John Hardy Names Matthew Tepper President as Jan-Patrick Schmitz Ascends to Chairman
The landscape of artisanal luxury is shifting as John Hardy, the Bali-born jewelry powerhouse, enters a new chapter of leadership. In a strategic reorganization designed to capitalize on its current market momentum, the company has announced that Matthew Tepper will step into the role of President. Simultaneously, Jan-Patrick Schmitz, who has served as Global CEO since mid-2023, is transitioning to become the Chairman of the Board.
This leadership evolution comes at a pivotal moment for the brand, which is currently navigating a period of high growth and creative revitalization. Perhaps most notably, the company has decided not to appoint a new CEO at this time, opting instead for a dual-leadership structure that empowers Tepper to manage day-to-day operations while Schmitz focuses on long-term governance and strategic vision.
Matthew Tepper’s Rise: A Visionary Leader for the Digital Era
Matthew Tepper is no stranger to the inner workings of John Hardy. Since joining the brand in July 2023 as Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, Tepper has been a driving force behind the company’s modern narrative. His promotion to President is a clear signal that John Hardy is prioritizing a customer-centric, digital-first approach to luxury.
Tepper brings a formidable resume to the table. Before his tenure at John Hardy, he was a co-founder of InTandem DAO, a membership network dedicated to supporting startups. His deep connection to the brand’s parent company, L Catterton, is also a significant asset; he previously served as an Operating Advisor to the private equity giant, helping various portfolio brands scale through sophisticated marketing and brand strategy.
From Nutrafol to Equinox: A Legacy of Brand Transformation
Tepper’s expertise lies in the intersection of emotional branding and data-driven results. His previous roles include serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Nutrafol, where he helped lead the brand through a successful acquisition by Unilever. He also held a senior leadership position at Equinox as Vice President of Strategy and Acquisition, where he mastered the art of building high-end lifestyle communities.
At John Hardy, Tepper has already made his mark by overseeing global marketing across all channels—from e-commerce and retail to wholesale and specialty partnerships. His “Moment Maker” philosophy, which focuses on the sentiment and story behind every piece of jewelry, has resonated deeply with a new generation of luxury consumers who value authenticity over mere status symbols.
Jan-Patrick Schmitz: Steering the Long-Term Vision from the Boardroom
While Tepper takes the helm of the brand’s daily operations, Jan-Patrick Schmitz’s move to Chairman ensures that John Hardy remains anchored by experienced global leadership. Schmitz, a seasoned veteran of the luxury world, took over as CEO in 2023 following a period of rapid executive turnover. His steady hand has been credited with stabilizing the brand and preparing it for its current “strong momentum.”
Schmitz’s career is a blueprint for luxury excellence. He spent nearly two decades at Richemont, the Swiss conglomerate that owns some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Cartier and Montblanc. During his time at Montblanc, Schmitz served as President and CEO of North America and Japan, giving him an unparalleled understanding of the global luxury supply chain and the nuances of different international markets.
Ensuring Continuity and Values
In a recent statement shared on LinkedIn, Schmitz expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. “As chairman, I’m eager to continue to focus John Hardy on our ambitious long-term strategic vision, amplify our brand presence, and ensure that our core values remain central to our mission,” he wrote.
By stepping away from the daily grind of the CEO office, Schmitz can now focus on high-level initiatives, including the brand’s relationship with its parent company, L Catterton, and the family of LVMH chair Bernard Arnault. His transition to Chairman is less about stepping back and more about stepping up to a level of oversight that ensures John Hardy remains a top-tier competitor in the crowded fine jewelry market.
The Reed Krakoff Influence: Aligning Creative and Business Strategy
One cannot discuss the leadership of John Hardy without mentioning Reed Krakoff, the brand’s Creative Chairman. Since joining in September 2022, Krakoff—the former Chief Artistic Officer of Tiffany & Co. and President of Coach—has been the architect of John Hardy’s aesthetic rebirth.
The collaboration between Tepper’s marketing savvy, Schmitz’s strategic oversight, and Krakoff’s creative genius has created a “triple threat” at the top of the organization. Krakoff has been instrumental in tightening the brand’s product assortment, reducing redundant SKUs by nearly 70%, and introducing high-impact collections like “Spear” and “Surf.”
Reimagining Artisanal Luxury for the 50th Anniversary
As John Hardy celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, the synergy between these leaders is more critical than ever. The brand has launched the “JH 50” collections, which pay homage to the iconic hand-woven chains and Balinese motifs that first put the company on the map in 1975.
Krakoff’s “Artisan Series” has also pushed the brand into the realm of high jewelry, incorporating natural diamonds and rare colored gemstones into the signature sterling silver and gold silhouettes. This move has allowed John Hardy to compete for the “everyday luxury” consumer while also appealing to the ultra-high-net-worth individual looking for unique, hand-crafted pieces.
The L Catterton Connection: Fueling Global Ambitions
John Hardy has been under the ownership of L Catterton since 2014. As the largest global consumer-focused private equity firm—partly owned by LVMH—L Catterton provides John Hardy with the financial muscle and strategic resources necessary for global expansion.
In 2022, rumors swirled that L Catterton was exploring a potential sale of the brand, with Bloomberg reporting a possible valuation of $200 million. While no sale has been finalized, the recent leadership changes suggest that the owners are focused on maximizing the brand’s value by building a lean, expert-led management team. The decision to forgo a CEO in favor of a President (Tepper) and Chairman (Schmitz) suggests a move toward a more agile, collaborative leadership model that can react quickly to market shifts.
A Legacy of Sustainability and Balinese Craftsmanship
At its heart, John Hardy is more than just a business; it is a collective of artisans. Founded by Canadian artist John Hardy in Bali, the brand has spent five decades mastering traditional Indonesian techniques like granulation, cutwork, and the communal weaving of silver chains.
The brand’s commitment to “Sustainable Luxury” is not a marketing gimmick but a foundational pillar. John Hardy was one of the first jewelry brands to use 100% reclaimed silver and recycled gold. Their production facility in Mambal, Bali, is built from sustainable materials like bamboo and operates on 100% renewable energy.
Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo
The brand’s social and environmental consciousness is perhaps best exemplified by its “Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo” program. Since 2007, the company has partnered with the Environmental Bamboo Foundation to plant nearly 1.5 million bamboo seedlings in Indonesia. This initiative not only offsets the company’s carbon footprint but also supports local farmers and preserves the natural beauty of the island that serves as the brand’s spiritual home.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for John Hardy
The appointment of Matthew Tepper as President marks a definitive shift toward the future. In an industry where heritage often feels stagnant, John Hardy is successfully blending its 50-year history with a modern, innovative business strategy.
Investors and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how the “Tepper-Schmitz-Krakoff” era unfolds. With a renewed focus on the men’s jewelry market—a category where John Hardy has long been a leader—and an aggressive expansion of its retail footprint, including a high-profile presence in New York’s Rockefeller Center, the brand is poised for a significant breakthrough.
As the luxury jewelry market continues to evolve, John Hardy’s unique combination of Balinese soul and Madison Avenue strategy remains its greatest competitive advantage. With Matthew Tepper’s hands-on leadership and Jan-Patrick Schmitz’s board-level guidance, the brand is not just honoring its past; it is actively crafting its future.
