Kendra Scott has returned to the helm of her eponymous jewelry empire as interim chief executive, marking a significant leadership reshuffle that saw the departure of three C-suite executives including CEO Tom Nolan, who held the position since 2021.

The Austin-based jewelry brand confirmed that alongside Nolan's exit, chief financial officer Jason Friesen and chief people officer Danielle Stewart have also departed after five years with the company. The executive transition follows a September 2024 investment from private equity firm 65 Equity Partners, which saw founder Scott increase her majority ownership stake.

Scott, who founded the company in 2002 with $500 in seed capital and served as CEO until 2021, returns to operational leadership during a period of robust growth. The company reported 30% expansion between 2023 and 2024, with 20% year-over-year growth in 2024, according to comments Nolan made to Fortune in March. The brand operates approximately 150 retail locations and plans to open 25 new stores in 2025, expanding into West Coast, Northeast and Midwest markets.

The interim leadership structure will see Neal Bronzo, a former Kendra Scott executive, step into a combined role as interim CFO and COO. Beth Ley, another former leadership team member, will return as chief people officer on 1 September 2025. This arrangement exemplifies the growing trend of companies leveraging fractional C-suite models during periods of strategic business transformation.

Nolan's departure ends an 11-year association with the brand, during which he progressed from board member in 2014 to chief revenue and marketing officer in 2016, president in 2019, and ultimately CEO in 2021. His tenure saw significant milestones including securing a minority investment from Berkshire Partners that valued the company at $1bn and launching the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

"It was one of the greatest privileges of my career to work alongside Kendra and help build out the brand," Nolan wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing his departure. He indicated plans to serve on boards and work as CEO of Prospect Place, a family advisory and investment firm.

The leadership changes come as the company pursues ambitious expansion plans, with a stated goal of reaching 300 US stores and exploring international markets. During the pandemic, the brand attracted 50% new customers to its web store and surpassed pre-pandemic sales records from 2019.

Industry observers note that Scott's return to operational leadership — albeit in an interim capacity — reflects a broader pattern in founder-led companies where original entrepreneurs reassume control during critical growth phases. The transition management approach, utilising experienced former executives in temporary roles, allows the company to maintain momentum whilst searching for permanent leadership.

The company's statement emphasised continuity despite the changes: "With a customer-first mission, a talented and dedicated team, and the momentum of a record-breaking year, the brand is well-positioned to build on its success and deliver meaningful products and experiences for our customers worldwide."

The jewelry brand, known for its affordable luxury positioning with many products under $100, has given back over $30m to charitable causes since 2010. Scott's vision of combining "family, fashion and philanthropy" remains central to the company's strategy as it navigates this latest leadership transition.

Source: Based on reporting from Austin American-Statesman and industry sources