LONDON — Luxury retail executive Sebastian Picardo has been named chief executive officer of the demi-fine jeweler Monica Vinader, succeeding cofounders and sisters Monica and Gaby Vinader.

Picardo was most recently president and CEO of Holt Renfrew, and has previously held management roles at retailers and brands including Lane Crawford, Burberry, Net-a-porter and Alexander McQueen.

As reported, he left Holt Renfrew, Canada’s leading luxury retailer which is owned by the Weston family, on Sept. 30. Holt Renfrew said in June that Picardo was returning to Europe, and moving to London specifically, “to be closer to family and pursue other opportunities.”

Picardo said he was joining Monica Vinader at a pivotal moment. “The brand has redefined modern luxury jewelry with creativity, craftsmanship and sustainable leadership, but we are only just beginning,” he said.

“Our ambition is to expand our impact and inspire existing and entirely new audiences across the globe. Together with Monica and the team, we will push boundaries, scale innovation and cement Monica Vinader as the brand to watch: dynamic, iconic and culturally relevant,” Picardo added.

Monica will remain in an executive role as artistic director, working closely with Picardo, while Gaby will become nonexecutive director.

“Throughout my career, I have fiercely protected the quality and integrity of our designs, our products and our business,” said Monica, adding that she chose Picardo because he “understands both the artistry and commercial aspects” of luxury.

“His bold vision for innovation and growth — combined with our shared commitment to integrity and sustainability — gives me absolute confidence that the best is still to come,” Vinader added.

During his five years at Holt Renfrew, Picardo developed a strategy to attract more consumers and brand partners, and introduced a marketplace format and a redesigned website.

Monica Vinader was founded in 2008, and was a pioneer in the demi-fine jewelry category. Her gold vermeil and 14-karat designs are inspired by art and nature, and the brand also offers bespoke personalization, and a repair service.

Celebrity clients include the Princess of Wales, Selena Gomez, Dakota Johnson and Gigi Hadid.

The company is also recognized for its green manufacturing and supply chain, and won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2022 and was the Positive Luxury Business of the Year in 2025.