Birks Group Starts Search for New President and CEO

By Karen Dybis | August 28, 2025

Birks Group is beginning an executive search for a president and CEO, now that the Montreal-based jeweler announced Jean-Christophe Bédos will step down from that role on Aug. 29 after more than a decade.

Bédos is leaving the company on Aug. 29, as Birks repositions itself “for stability and long-term growth,” according to a corporate statement. Bédos, who headed Boucheron and Cartier before joining Birks in 2012, will remain an adviser at Birks for an undisclosed amount of time.

“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,” Bédos said in a statement. “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.”

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of Birks’ board of directors, will serve as interim CEO. Board member Davide Barberis Canonico has been named interim president and chief operating officer, and will assume day-to-day leadership responsibilities, the company said.

Last month, Birks reported a 4% sales decrease, to $177.8 million Canadian, for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2025, compared with the previous year. Comps fell 3.4% year-over-year.

In a statement, Rossi di Montelera credited Bédos for developing the Birks brand and new global partnerships, as well as steering the company through the coronavirus pandemic, during his 13 years at the helm.

“A leadership transition is an important step as we refocus the company’s priorities,” said Rossi di Montelera. “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.”

Rossi di Montelera, a member of the Birks board since 2010, was vice chairman from June 2015 until he was appointed executive chairman in January 2017. Barberis Canonico has served on the board for 12 years and has held the CEO position at several other companies.

“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 said in a statement.

Founded in 1879, Birks Group is a fine jewelry designer and the operator of 17 Maison Birks stores across Canada. In July, the company acquired another Canadian jewelry and watch retailer, European Boutique.

(Photo courtesy of Birks Group)