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In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and retail, Tom Nolan has emerged as a visionary leader, steering Kendra Scott to unprecedented growth and impact. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2021, he has championed a strategy rooted in personalization, expansion, and philanthropy—aligning the company’s core pillars of fashion, family, and giving back with a business model that thrives on both purpose and profit. His leadership has transformed Kendra Scott into a powerhouse lifestyle brand, evidenced by remarkable financial success, a rapidly expanding retail footprint, and increased customer loyalty.
Under Tom’s leadership, Kendra Scott has seen consistent growth, with 43 of the last 47 months showing positive sales and 17 consecutive months of double-digit increases through November 2024. His focus on customer experience, personalization, and an omnichannel approach has fueled sustained success, with both e-commerce and retail traffic seeing a 16% year-over-year increase. These achievements reflect Tom's ability to scale the business while building a loyal customer base, with 70% of revenue coming from repeat customers.
Tom has also driven the company’s brick-and-mortar expansion, with 25 new stores planned for 2025 and a target of over 200 locations within the next three years. His emphasis on experiential retail and a customer-first mentality, including the success of the brand’s Color Bar and customization services—which now account for 30% of total sales—has been integral to Kendra Scott’s growth.
His forward-thinking approach has made Kendra Scott a multigenerational brand, resonating with customers of all ages. Social media is a key growth driver, with Instagram engagement surpassing competitors by 75% and TikTok growing 18% year-over-year. This strong digital presence, combined with strategic product and marketing choices, ensures Kendra Scott meets customers where they are, fostering loyalty at every stage of life. In 2024 alone, the brand hosted over 24,000 regional events.
Beyond financial success, Tom has redefined what it means to lead with purpose. His deep commitment to philanthropy has propelled Kendra Scott’s giving initiatives to new heights. Since 2010, the company has donated over $70 million in monetary and in-kind contributions to women’s and children’s charities. In 2024 alone, it supported 12,600+ local causes through the Kendra Gives Back program. Under Tom’s leadership, the company has donated over 37,000 pieces of jewelry to nonprofits, funded 5,000 hours of metastatic breast cancer research, and expanded the Kendra Scott Foundation’s Yellow Library initiative—bringing bilingual and multicultural books to over 8,000 students nationwide, with plans to launch 20 more libraries in 2025.
Tom’s leadership philosophy is shaped by his background as a collegiate athlete and as the first in his family to graduate high school. These experiences have instilled values of teamwork, accountability, and resilience. His team affectionately calls him "Coach Tom," a nod to his hands-on mentorship style and emphasis on collective success. He fosters an environment where growth, collaboration, and opportunity thrive.
His transformative leadership has not gone unnoticed. Named the Austin Business Journal’s Best CEO in 2023, he drives results while maintaining a people-first approach. Beyond Kendra Scott, he serves on multiple boards, including Made In and Tommy John, and has co-founded businesses like Sweetens Cove Golf Club and Sweetens Cove Bourbon alongside Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick. His passion for mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of business leaders, particularly former collegiate athletes transitioning into impactful careers.
Tom Nolan embodies the essence of a “maverick”—an innovative, fearless, and purpose-driven leader redefining success in modern retail. His ability to scale a billion-dollar brand while deepening its philanthropic mission is a testament to his vision and execution. Whether driving record-breaking growth, championing inclusivity, or leading with a servant’s heart, Tom continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry. His “game-changing year” is just the beginning of an enduring legacy that blends business excellence with meaningful impact.
Nomination Title: Tom Nolan, CEO
