Kendra Scott Design Inc. hired Chris Blakeslee, the former president and CEO of Athleta, as its CEO.
Blakeslee stepped down as Athleta’s CEO in August 2025, replaced by former Nike executive and current CEO Maggie Gauger. Blakeslee joined Athleta in August 2023 in the role and was previously president of sister companies Alo Yoga and Bella+Canvas since 2017. At Alo Yoga, he partnered with the co-founders to scale the brand from under $50 million to over $1 billion in less than five years.
He succeeds the Austin-based jewelry brand’s founder Kendra Scott, who has served in the role on an interim basis since the departure of Tom Nolan in August.
Before Alo Yoga, he held several senior positions at Broder Brothers (now Alphabroder), a a major distributor of imprintable apparel.
“Chris understands our customer-first mission, and I’m excited to see him lead with purpose – driving strategic growth and deepening brand affinity,” said Scott. “His forward-looking vision strengthens our holistic brand world, where product, environment, community and culture work seamlessly together. Chris honors my vision while adding a dynamic perspective, making him the ideal steward for our next phase of growth.”
