Former Kantar Chief Named Swarovski CEO

Former Kantar CEO Alexis Nasard has been named as the first person from outside the Swarovski family to lead the crystal jewellery brand in its 127-year history. He will join the firm on 4th July.

Founded in 1891 by Daniel Swarovski, the Austria-based business launched a search for an external CEO late last year, after Robert Buchbauer, great-great grandson of the company's founder, stepped down from the role. Nasard (pictured), who is currently a Senior Business Advisor for McKinsey & Co, most recently served as Kantar's CEO, but left after just four months. He had joined Kantar following the departure of former CEO Eric Salama - who left after WPP sold a 60% stake in Kantar to private equity firm Bain Capital - and the firm is now led by former AA boss Chris Jansen.

Nasard has more than 30 years' experience in the FMCG and retail sectors. Before joining Kantar he was CEO of footwear manufacturer Bata Group, having earlier spent six years at Heineken, latterly as President of Western Europe Business and Global CMO. He also spent seventeen years in a variety of marketing and general management roles at Procter & Gamble.

In his new position, Nasard will be responsible for scaling the business and driving growth. Luisa Delgado, Chair of the Board of Directors, said in a statement: 'With the appointment of Swarovski's first external CEO, we are taking an important further step in establishing a sustainable governance model. With Alexis Nasard as the new CEO, we are very pleased to have been able to select a highly experienced and transformational leadership personality who is capable of leading Swarovski in the affirmation of its iconic luxury heritage and through its business transformation'.

Web site: www.swarovski.com .