Since taking over the reins of the Danish jewellery brand, Bjørn Gulden has reportedly revived the company, which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, by doubling its share price and increasing sales by 53 per cent.
Gulden leaves to head up sportswear company Puma. Prior to joining Pandora, Gulden was in charge of apparel and accessories at rival Adidas.
Commenting on the move, Gulden said: "This has been a very hard decision for me to make. Pandora is a great business which is performing well, but the sports industry has always been a major part of my life, and my role at Puma will also allow my family to remain in Germany.”
Current Pandora chairman Allan Leighton has been appointed new CEO. Marcello Bottoli, who is currently deputy chairman, will succeed Leighton as chairman of the board.
"Bjørn, Marcello, the management team and I have worked very closely on delivering on the company strategy and the board believes that continuity in that execution and understanding of the business is key to our continued success. Therefore I am delighted to take up the role as Pandora's CEO,” Leighton said.
Pandora directors will recommend that Gulden continue to be part of the company by becoming a board member.
Pandora jewellery is sold in more than 70 countries. Its four largest markets are the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Germany.
Who is Allan Leighton?
Allan Leighton has a long and distinguished business career. The Englishman made his mark in 2000 by reviving British supermarket chain Asda. He has also been deputy chairman at Leeds United Football Club, was non-executive chairman of the Royal Mail and was a board member of upmarket department store Selfridges.