An the future, Alexis Nasard will head the Tyrolean crystal specialist Swarovski. Nasard will be the first CEO of the long-established group to direct its fortunes outside of the Swarovski founding family. In July, he succeeds Michele Molon, who had temporarily managed the company since Robert Buchbauer left in the autumn of the previous year.
This marks the transition from a family-run business to a family-owned business, the company announced on Tuesday. The majority of non-family members are now also represented on the board of directors. Nevertheless, according to the information, the family wants to continue to help shape the legacy of family founder Daniel Swarovski in the ownership role.
After a workforce reduction at the company headquarters in Wattens, the future of the location had been discussed in recent years, also with the participation of the Tyrolean state politicians. Luisa Delgado, President of the Board of Directors, stated: “Wattens will continue to play a central role in the future when it comes to innovations, efficiency and the very special Swarovski experience.” Delgado praised Nasard as a very experienced and effective leader, who would become Michele Molon hold the newly created “key position of Chief Commercial Officer” in the future.
One of the 30 largest luxury goods manufacturers in the world
According to the LinkedIn careers platform, Alexis Nasard most recently worked as a Senior Business Advisor at the consulting service provider McKinsey & Company. Previously he worked as CEO of the market research company Kantar and for a few years at the helm of the shoe manufacturer Bata and at Heineken.
Last but not least, Swarovski had to cope with severe economic cuts due to the corona pandemic. Last year, sales fell to 1.7 billion euros, while 2019 was still 2.7 billion. The aim is now to establish the brand in the affordable luxury segment.
According to a list by the management consultant Deloitte, Swarovski is still one of the 30 largest luxury goods manufacturers in the world. Mainly thanks to jewelry, the Tyrolean figurehead has grown into one of the largest family businesses in the German-speaking region, with around 22,000 employees.
