A New Chapter for a Canadian Icon: Birks Group Embarks on a Search for Transformative Leadership
Montreal, Quebec – The illustrious Birks Group, a name synonymous with Canadian luxury and fine jewelry for over a century, is poised for a significant leadership transition. The Montreal-based jeweler has officially announced the commencement of a comprehensive executive search for its next President and Chief Executive Officer. This pivotal moment follows the decision by Jean-Christophe Bédos to step down from his esteemed role on August 29th, concluding a remarkable tenure of more than a decade at the helm of this iconic brand.
Jean-Christophe Bédos’s Legacy and Departure
Jean-Christophe Bédos’s departure marks the end of an era, as Birks Group strategically repositions itself “for stability and long-term growth,” as articulated in a recent corporate statement. Bédos, a figure of considerable gravitas in the global luxury sector, brought a wealth of experience to Birks when he joined in 2012, having previously steered prestigious houses such as Boucheron and Cartier. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating the complex currents of the luxury market, and he leaves behind a company that, while facing its share of challenges, is firmly committed to its core values.
In a candid statement, Bédos reflected on his decision: “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.” This sentiment underscores a thoughtful and deliberate transition, aimed at ensuring the continued prosperity of the Birks brand. To ensure a seamless handover and leverage his deep institutional knowledge, Bédos will remain an adviser to Birks for an undisclosed period, a move that speaks to his enduring commitment to the company’s success.
Navigating the Interim: Experienced Hands at the Helm
To ensure steadfast leadership during this crucial transitional phase, the Birks Group has swiftly appointed an experienced interim management team. Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, the highly respected Executive Chairman of Birks’ board of directors, has stepped into the role of interim CEO. His deep understanding of the company’s strategic direction and extensive experience on the board position him perfectly to guide Birks through this period of change.
Alongside Rossi di Montelera, Davide Barberis Canonico, a long-serving and insightful member of the board, has been named interim President and Chief Operating Officer. In this elevated capacity, Barberis Canonico will assume the day-to-day leadership responsibilities, focusing on operational excellence and client satisfaction. His appointment ensures that the company’s core functions remain robust and responsive, allowing the executive search to proceed with due diligence without impacting ongoing business operations.
Rossi di Montelera expressed his confidence in Bédos’s contributions and the future direction: “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 adviser. This continuity will help ensure a smooth transition and allow the company to move forward with confidence and clarity.” This statement highlights the collaborative spirit underpinning the transition and the strategic importance of Bédos’s advisory role.
Financial Performance and Market Landscape
The announcement of this leadership change comes against a backdrop of recent financial results that underscore the need for strategic repositioning. Last month, Birks Group reported a 4% sales decrease, totaling $177.8 million Canadian, for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2025, when compared to the preceding year. Furthermore, comparable store sales experienced a 3.4% year-over-year decline.
These figures reflect broader challenges within the luxury retail sector, including evolving consumer preferences, increased digital competition, and fluctuating economic conditions. However, the company’s proactive approach to leadership transition signals a clear intent to address these headwinds directly and strategically. The new leadership will undoubtedly be tasked with innovating customer engagement, optimizing operational efficiencies, and exploring new growth avenues to reverse these trends and reinvigorate the brand’s market position.
The Interim Leaders’ Vision and Experience
Both Niccolò Rossi di Montelera and Davide Barberis Canonico bring significant expertise to their interim roles. Rossi di Montelera has been an integral part of the Birks board since 2010, rising through the ranks from vice chairman in June 2015 to executive chairman in January 2017. His long-standing involvement provides invaluable continuity and a profound understanding of Birks’ heritage and strategic aspirations.
Davide Barberis Canonico’s tenure on the board spans 12 years, during which he has demonstrated a keen business acumen. His prior experience includes holding CEO positions at several other companies, equipping him with a strong track record in operational leadership and driving performance. His commitment to the task ahead is clear: “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,” Barberis Canonico stated, setting a clear agenda for his interim presidency.
The Path Forward: Innovation and Growth
The search for a new President and CEO is not merely about finding a replacement; it is about identifying a visionary leader who can propel Birks Group into its next phase of growth and innovation. This individual will be tasked with building upon Jean-Christophe Bédos’s commendable achievements, which include developing the Birks brand’s distinct identity, forging new global partnerships, and skillfully steering the company through unprecedented challenges like the coronavirus pandemic.
The future leader will need to possess a deep understanding of the luxury market, a proven ability to drive digital transformation, and a strategic mind capable of capitalizing on emerging trends. Key areas of focus will likely include enhancing the omnichannel customer experience, expanding Birks’ digital footprint, exploring new product categories, and strengthening the brand’s appeal to a diverse and evolving clientele. The successful candidate will be a dynamic individual with the passion and foresight to uphold Birks’ rich heritage while simultaneously charting an exciting new course for the future.
Birks Group: A Rich History and Expanding Horizons
Founded in 1879, Birks Group has long been celebrated as a distinguished fine jewelry designer and the proud operator of 17 exquisite Maison Birks stores across Canada. The brand’s commitment to unparalleled craftsmanship, timeless design, and exceptional client service has cemented its position as a cherished institution in Canadian luxury retail.
Illustrating its proactive approach to market expansion and strategic growth, Birks Group recently acquired European Boutique in July. This acquisition of another reputable Canadian jewelry and watch retailer signifies the company’s intent to strengthen its market presence and diversify its offerings. This move, coupled with the ongoing executive search, demonstrates Birks Group’s determination to not only maintain its legacy but also to actively shape its future, ensuring its continued relevance and success in a dynamic global luxury landscape. The incoming CEO will inherit a brand with a profound history, a loyal customer base, and a clear mandate for continued evolution and prosperity.
The Search for a Visionary
The executive search is expected to be thorough and far-reaching, aiming to attract top-tier talent from the global luxury retail sector. The new leader will play a critical role in shaping Birks’ strategic roadmap, fostering a culture of innovation, and ultimately, delivering sustained value to shareholders and enchanting experiences to its discerning clientele. As Birks Group embarks on this exciting new chapter, the industry will keenly watch to see who will be chosen to lead this Canadian gem into a brilliant future.
