Birks Group Inc. Unveils New Executive Team
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 26 2025
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Source: Newsfilter
Leadership Change: Jean-Christophe Bédos, President and CEO of Birks Group Inc., is stepping down effective August 29, 2025, but will remain as an advisor during the transition period.
Interim Leadership: Niccolò Rossi di Montelera has been appointed Interim CEO while Davide Barberis Canonico takes on the role of Interim President and Chief Operating Officer.
Acknowledgment of Service: The Board expressed gratitude for Bédos' 13 years of leadership, highlighting his contributions in developing the brand and navigating challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Company Overview: Birks Group is a prominent designer and retailer of fine jewelry in Canada, operating multiple luxury retail locations across major cities.
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About BGI
Birks Group Inc. is a designer of fine jewelry and an operator of luxury jewelry, timepieces and gifts retail stores in Canada. The Company operates through two segments: Retail and Other. Its Retail segment operates over 17 stores across Canada under the Maison Birks brand, one retail location in Montreal under the Birks brand, one retail location in Montreal under the TimeVallee brand, one retail location in Calgary under the Brinkhaus brand, one retail location in Vancouver under the Graff brand, one retail location in Vancouver under the Patek Philippe brand, and three retail locations in Laval, Ottawa and Toronto under the Breitling brand. Its Other segment consists primarily of the e-commerce business, wholesale business and gold exchange business. Its collections are available at Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths in the United Kingdom, in addition to several jewelry retailers across North America.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Birks Group CFO Katia Fontana Announces Retirement
- Executive Transition: Birks Group announced that CFO Katia Fontana will retire on April 1, 2026, after six years of significant contributions, ensuring stability during strategic transformations and external challenges.
- New CFO Appointment: Aldo Battista will join Birks Group on February 11, 2026, as Vice President of Accounting and Treasury, transitioning to CFO after Fontana's retirement, bringing 25 years of finance and retail experience that is expected to positively impact the company.
- Transition Support: Fontana will assist in the smooth transition of responsibilities to Battista before her retirement, ensuring an orderly handover of finance and accounting duties, which is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and stability.
- Leadership Acknowledgment: Executive Chairman Niccolò Rossi di Montelera expressed gratitude for Fontana's contributions, highlighting her leadership during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the company's commitment to its executive team and confidence in future growth.
See More
Birks Group Announces CFO Retirement and Successor Appointment
- Executive Retirement Announcement: Birks Group has announced that CFO Katia Fontana will retire on April 1, 2026, marking a significant change in the company's financial leadership, which may affect investor confidence in future financial strategies.
- New CFO Appointment: Aldo Battista will join Birks Group on February 11, 2026, as Vice President of Accounting and Treasury, tasked with working alongside Fontana to ensure a smooth handover of financial and accounting responsibilities before assuming the CFO role.
- Transition Period Arrangements: During the transition, Battista will closely collaborate with Fontana to ensure a seamless transition in the finance department, aiming to mitigate potential impacts on operations due to management changes.
- Future Outlook: The addition of a new CFO may bring fresh financial strategies and perspectives to Birks Group, helping the company maintain stable growth in a competitive market.
See More
BIRKS GROUP INC - CFO KATIA FONTANA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2026
Company Overview: BIRKS GROUP INC. is a jewelry retailer based in Canada, known for its luxury products and services.
Financial Leadership: The company has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), KATIA FONTANA, to lead its financial strategies.
Retirement Announcement: The previous CFO is set to retire on April 1, 2026, marking a significant transition in the company's financial leadership.
Future Plans: With the new CFO, BIRKS GROUP INC. aims to enhance its financial performance and strategic growth in the luxury market.
See More
BIRKS GROUP REVEALS CFO RETIREMENT AND NEW APPOINTMENT
Retirement Announcement: BIRKS Group has announced the retirement of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
New Appointment: The company has also appointed a new individual to take over the CFO position.
See More
Birks Group Reports 11.8% Sales Growth for FY2026 Holiday Period
- Sales Performance Boost: Birks Group reported an 11.8% increase in net sales for the FY2026 holiday period compared to FY2025, primarily driven by the acquisition of European Boutique luxury timepieces and jewelry stores, showcasing the company's strong performance in the luxury market.
- Comparable Store Sales Growth: The comparable store sales increased by 2.5% during the FY2026 holiday period versus FY2025, reflecting robust market demand for branded timepieces and Birks branded jewelry, further solidifying the company's competitive edge in retail and e-commerce.
- Strategic Acquisition Impact: The successful implementation of the European Boutique acquisition not only propelled sales growth but also enhanced Birks' brand influence in the luxury market, indicating the company's proactive strategy in expanding market share.
- Management Outlook: Executive Chairman Niccolò Rossi di Montelera noted that the strong sales results during the holiday period will lay the groundwork for future customer service and market expansion, demonstrating the company's confidence in sustained growth.
See More
Birks Group Reports 16.2% Sales Growth in H1 Fiscal 2026
- Significant Sales Growth: Birks Group reported net sales of CAD 93.1 million for the 26-week period ending September 27, 2025, reflecting a CAD 13.0 million increase or 16.2% year-over-year, primarily driven by the acquisition of European luxury business and increased sales of third-party branded timepieces.
- Comparable Store Sales Rise: Comparable store sales increased by 6.3% compared to the same period last year, indicating strong performance across all product categories, particularly in third-party branded watches and Birks branded jewelry, which enhances market competitiveness.
- Stable Gross Margin: Total gross profit reached CAD 36.5 million, representing 39.2% of net sales, consistent with 39.0% in the prior year, demonstrating a positive impact on profitability from increased sales volume following the acquisition.
- Increased SG&A Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to CAD 33.0 million, or 35.4% of net sales, up 5.2% from the previous year, primarily due to the acquisition of European operations and increased personnel costs driven by higher sales volume.
See More
Birks Group CFO Katia Fontana Announces Retirement
- Executive Transition: Birks Group announced that CFO Katia Fontana will retire on April 1, 2026, after six years of significant contributions, ensuring stability during strategic transformations and external challenges.
- New CFO Appointment: Aldo Battista will join Birks Group on February 11, 2026, as Vice President of Accounting and Treasury, transitioning to CFO after Fontana's retirement, bringing 25 years of finance and retail experience that is expected to positively impact the company.
- Transition Support: Fontana will assist in the smooth transition of responsibilities to Battista before her retirement, ensuring an orderly handover of finance and accounting duties, which is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and stability.
- Leadership Acknowledgment: Executive Chairman Niccolò Rossi di Montelera expressed gratitude for Fontana's contributions, highlighting her leadership during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the company's commitment to its executive team and confidence in future growth.
See More
Birks Group Announces CFO Retirement and Successor Appointment
- Executive Retirement Announcement: Birks Group has announced that CFO Katia Fontana will retire on April 1, 2026, marking a significant change in the company's financial leadership, which may affect investor confidence in future financial strategies.
- New CFO Appointment: Aldo Battista will join Birks Group on February 11, 2026, as Vice President of Accounting and Treasury, tasked with working alongside Fontana to ensure a smooth handover of financial and accounting responsibilities before assuming the CFO role.
- Transition Period Arrangements: During the transition, Battista will closely collaborate with Fontana to ensure a seamless transition in the finance department, aiming to mitigate potential impacts on operations due to management changes.
- Future Outlook: The addition of a new CFO may bring fresh financial strategies and perspectives to Birks Group, helping the company maintain stable growth in a competitive market.
See More
BIRKS GROUP INC - CFO KATIA FONTANA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2026
Company Overview: BIRKS GROUP INC. is a jewelry retailer based in Canada, known for its luxury products and services.
Financial Leadership: The company has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), KATIA FONTANA, to lead its financial strategies.
Retirement Announcement: The previous CFO is set to retire on April 1, 2026, marking a significant transition in the company's financial leadership.
Future Plans: With the new CFO, BIRKS GROUP INC. aims to enhance its financial performance and strategic growth in the luxury market.
See More
BIRKS GROUP REVEALS CFO RETIREMENT AND NEW APPOINTMENT
Retirement Announcement: BIRKS Group has announced the retirement of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
New Appointment: The company has also appointed a new individual to take over the CFO position.
See More
Birks Group Reports 11.8% Sales Growth for FY2026 Holiday Period
- Sales Performance Boost: Birks Group reported an 11.8% increase in net sales for the FY2026 holiday period compared to FY2025, primarily driven by the acquisition of European Boutique luxury timepieces and jewelry stores, showcasing the company's strong performance in the luxury market.
- Comparable Store Sales Growth: The comparable store sales increased by 2.5% during the FY2026 holiday period versus FY2025, reflecting robust market demand for branded timepieces and Birks branded jewelry, further solidifying the company's competitive edge in retail and e-commerce.
- Strategic Acquisition Impact: The successful implementation of the European Boutique acquisition not only propelled sales growth but also enhanced Birks' brand influence in the luxury market, indicating the company's proactive strategy in expanding market share.
- Management Outlook: Executive Chairman Niccolò Rossi di Montelera noted that the strong sales results during the holiday period will lay the groundwork for future customer service and market expansion, demonstrating the company's confidence in sustained growth.
See More
Birks Group Reports 16.2% Sales Growth in H1 Fiscal 2026
- Significant Sales Growth: Birks Group reported net sales of CAD 93.1 million for the 26-week period ending September 27, 2025, reflecting a CAD 13.0 million increase or 16.2% year-over-year, primarily driven by the acquisition of European luxury business and increased sales of third-party branded timepieces.
- Comparable Store Sales Rise: Comparable store sales increased by 6.3% compared to the same period last year, indicating strong performance across all product categories, particularly in third-party branded watches and Birks branded jewelry, which enhances market competitiveness.
- Stable Gross Margin: Total gross profit reached CAD 36.5 million, representing 39.2% of net sales, consistent with 39.0% in the prior year, demonstrating a positive impact on profitability from increased sales volume following the acquisition.
- Increased SG&A Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to CAD 33.0 million, or 35.4% of net sales, up 5.2% from the previous year, primarily due to the acquisition of European operations and increased personnel costs driven by higher sales volume.
See More
