LONDON — Leonie Brantberg has been named chief executive officer of jeweler Jessica McCormack, WWD has learned.
Brantberg was previously chief of staff, strategy and growth projects, at Burberry where she also served as a member of the executive committee.
Before joining Burberry she was an associate partner at McKinsey, where she co-led the apparel, fashion and luxury goods practice in the U.K.
She succeeds Colleen Caslin, who has left the company, and her remit is to realize the brand’s “creative and commercial ambitions, and to lead the business through the next stage of its growth.”
Jessica McCormack said the business has more than doubled over the last two years, going from 9 million pounds in 2020 to 24 million pounds in 2022.
That growth has come from longstanding clients who favor the brand’s discreet diamond jewelry, or seek McCormack’s help in refashioning their heirloom or antique pieces. The brand also does a robust business in diamond engagement rings, bespoke designs and jewelry boxes, which McCormack creates herself.
Jessica McCormack, the company’s founder and creative director, said Brantberg is joining the company at an “exciting” time, and ahead of a second store opening at 140 Sloane Street later this year.
“She brings with her such a wealth of experience, but more importantly to me she represents the true JM woman. She’s smart, tenacious and curious, and I think we will make a great team. Her expertise in strategy will be invaluable as we continue to grow this brand that I am so proud of,” she added.
Brantberg said “Jessica’s unique take on fine jewelry is exactly what women want today, and I’ve been obsessed with the brand since I was first introduced to it a few years ago. I am thrilled to be joining as CEO at such a pivotal moment for the brand, and can’t wait to get started.”
As reported, the new 1,300-square-foot store on Sloane Street will be located in a space previously occupied by Zadig & Voltaire, with neighbors including Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.
It will be modeled on Jessica McCormack’s Mayfair town house flagship at 7 Carlos Place, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary earlier this year.
Set over two floors, the new store will showcase the brand’s signature diamond jewelry as well as the new collections. The design will echo that of the Mayfair town house, which is filled with contemporary art, antiques, special objects and, of course, jewelry.
“We took our time looking for the perfect space and we found it in Sloane Street,” McCormack told WWD at the time.
“I have always loved the area and can’t wait to welcome our clients there — new and old. It offers us the perfect opportunity to reach more people, and to continue to tell our story,” she added.
The opening will be one of many on the street, which has long rivaled Bond Street as a luxury lifestyle hub.
