Birks Group CFO Katia Fontana Announces Retirement
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2h ago
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Birks Group announced that Katia Fontana, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has decided to retire, effective April 1, 2026. The company also announced that Aldo Battista will be joining the company on February 11, 2026. During the transition period, Battista will initially serve as Vice President, Accounting and Treasury, working alongside Fontana to ensure a smooth and orderly handover of finance and accounting responsibilities before assuming the role of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on April 2, 2026.
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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 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 Reports $93.1M Net Sales, Up 16.2% in Fiscal 2026
- Significant Sales Growth: Birks Group reported net sales of $93.1 million for the 26-week period ending September 27, 2025, reflecting a $13 million increase or 16.2% growth compared to the same period in Fiscal 2025, indicating strong performance in the luxury goods market.
- Comparable Store Sales Increase: Comparable store sales rose by 6.3% during the same period, not only showcasing consumer recognition of the Birks brand but also demonstrating the company's sustained competitive advantage in the market.
- Stable Gross Margin: The gross profit reached $36.5 million, an increase of $5.2 million from the previous year, with a gross margin of 39.2%, indicating effective cost control alongside sales growth, thereby enhancing profitability.
- Acquisition-Driven Growth: The sales increase was partly driven by the acquisition of European luxury retail operations, further solidifying Birks' position in the high-end market and setting the stage for future expansion and enhanced brand influence.
See More
BIRKS GROUP INC. ANNOUNCES FISCAL 2026 MID-YEAR RESULTS
Financial Performance: Birks Group Inc. reported net sales of $93.1 million for the twenty-six-week period ending September 27, 2025, marking a 16.2% increase from the previous year, driven by the acquisition of European Boutique and strong sales in both Birks and third-party branded jewelry.
Gross Profit and Margins: The company achieved a gross profit of $36.5 million, representing 39.2% of net sales, which is consistent with the previous year, attributed to increased retail sales and a favorable product mix.
Operating Loss and Expenses: Birks recorded an operating loss of $0.2 million, a slight improvement from a loss of $0.3 million in the prior year, while SG&A expenses rose to $33.0 million, primarily due to the European acquisition and increased sales volume.
Net Loss: The company reported a net loss of $2.6 million, or ($0.13) per share, an improvement from a net loss of $3.1 million, or ($0.16) per share, in the same period last year.
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 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 Reports $93.1M Net Sales, Up 16.2% in Fiscal 2026
- Significant Sales Growth: Birks Group reported net sales of $93.1 million for the 26-week period ending September 27, 2025, reflecting a $13 million increase or 16.2% growth compared to the same period in Fiscal 2025, indicating strong performance in the luxury goods market.
- Comparable Store Sales Increase: Comparable store sales rose by 6.3% during the same period, not only showcasing consumer recognition of the Birks brand but also demonstrating the company's sustained competitive advantage in the market.
- Stable Gross Margin: The gross profit reached $36.5 million, an increase of $5.2 million from the previous year, with a gross margin of 39.2%, indicating effective cost control alongside sales growth, thereby enhancing profitability.
- Acquisition-Driven Growth: The sales increase was partly driven by the acquisition of European luxury retail operations, further solidifying Birks' position in the high-end market and setting the stage for future expansion and enhanced brand influence.
See More
BIRKS GROUP INC. ANNOUNCES FISCAL 2026 MID-YEAR RESULTS
Financial Performance: Birks Group Inc. reported net sales of $93.1 million for the twenty-six-week period ending September 27, 2025, marking a 16.2% increase from the previous year, driven by the acquisition of European Boutique and strong sales in both Birks and third-party branded jewelry.
Gross Profit and Margins: The company achieved a gross profit of $36.5 million, representing 39.2% of net sales, which is consistent with the previous year, attributed to increased retail sales and a favorable product mix.
Operating Loss and Expenses: Birks recorded an operating loss of $0.2 million, a slight improvement from a loss of $0.3 million in the prior year, while SG&A expenses rose to $33.0 million, primarily due to the European acquisition and increased sales volume.
Net Loss: The company reported a net loss of $2.6 million, or ($0.13) per share, an improvement from a net loss of $3.1 million, or ($0.16) per share, in the same period last year.
See More
