Pandora’s new CEO will be Berta de Pablos‑Barbier, who will take over from Alexander Lacik at the annual general meeting on 11 March 2026 in Copenhagen. The Danish jewellery group confirmed the leadership transition on 30 September 2025, describing it as part of a carefully prepared succession plan designed to secure long‑term growth as a full jewellery brand.
Orderly transition underscores Pandora’s strategy
The company said the appointment follows a global search within its long‑term succession planning. De Pablos‑Barbier, currently Chief Marketing Officer and part of the Executive Leadership Team since November 2024, has been instrumental in repositioning Pandora under its Phoenix strategy. Chair Peter Ruzicka highlighted her as “the right person to lead our continued growth,” stressing the importance of a smooth and orderly handover.
Berta De Pablos‑Barbier brings global luxury experience
De Pablos‑Barbier is a Spanish executive with more than 30 years of leadership in international consumer and luxury brands. She previously served as President & CEO of Moët & Chandon (LVMH) and held senior roles at Mars Wrigley, Lacoste, and Boucheron.
She will become Pandora’s first woman CEO, a milestone in the company’s history. In her first remarks, she said Pandora retains “significant untapped potential” despite being the largest player in the industry.
Lacik’s legacy: from turnaround to phoenix growth
Since taking over in 2019, Alexander Lacik led a turnaround that restored investor confidence after years of weaker results. Revenue has risen by 45%, the global workforce grew to 37,000, and Pandora expanded its digital presence.
The Phoenix strategy shifted the business from a bracelet‑focused model to a full jewellery brand, with higher brand awareness, data‑driven marketing, and product innovation such as lab‑grown diamonds. De Pablos‑Barbier is expected to maintain this course rather than introduce a major reset.
Investor focus on us growth and china recovery
Initial market reaction on 30 September showed a modest dip in share price, reflecting the timing surprise rather than strategic concerns. Analysts say the priority will be sustaining USA momentum, where Pandora has expanded distribution and achieved solid organic growth, while addressing persistent weakness in China. The clear handover date in March 2026 gives investors visibility while keeping focus on operational delivery through 2025.
Copenhagen headquarters and nordic sustainability goals
Pandora, headquartered in Copenhagen, employs about 37,000 people and reported DKK 31.7 billion (EUR 4.2 billion) in revenue in 2024. The company calls itself the world’s largest jewellery brand by volume, with sales in more than 100 countries through 6,800 points of sale, including over 2,700 concept stores. Consistent with Nordic corporate priorities, Pandora produces jewellery with 100% recycled silver and gold and has committed to halve greenhouse‑gas emissions by 2030 as part of its Phoenix strategy.
What lies ahead for Pandora’s leadership shift
Key milestones include the AGM handover in March 2026, expected investor updates on product mix and distribution, and signals on managing input costs and trade headwinds. For the Nordic and EU context, observers will watch how Pandora combines leadership continuity with pressure to deliver in weaker markets while sustaining growth in its stronger regions.
