International News
Swarovski Names Kolja Kiofsky as Chief Commercial Officer, Effective January 2026
Swarovski has announced the promotion of Kolja Kiofsky to Chief Commercial Officer, effective January 2026. Currently serving as General Manager of North America, Kiofsky will take over from Michele Molon, who is set to depart in July 2025 for a new opportunity.
In his new role, Kiofsky will lead Swarovski’s global commercial operations, overseeing omni-channel strategy, global sales, commercial architecture, and real estate. He will relocate from New York to the company’s corporate headquarters in Männedorf, Switzerland, and report directly to CEO Alexis Nasard.
“Kolja Kiofsky’s promotion to chief commercial officer marks an exciting new chapter for Swarovski. Kolja’s leadership and strategic vision have been pivotal in driving growth and transformation in North America,” said Nasard.
“At the same time, Swarovski extends its heartfelt gratitude to Michele Molon for his outstanding contributions and dedication to our company and brand. Michele leaves with a strong business and organizational legacy.”
Until Kiofsky assumes the role in January, Ilse Roeffen, Head of Emerging Markets and Businesses, will serve as interim Chief Commercial Officer.
Reacting to the announcement, Kiofsky said, “I’m incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of chief commercial officer after 15 amazing years with Swarovski. This company has been a huge part of my professional journey, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to contribute to its legacy of innovation, craftsmanship and excellence. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Michele Molon who has been not only a brilliant leader but also a true partner and mentor throughout the years. I look forward to building on the strong foundation he laid and driving our commercial strategy into its next phase.”
The promotion comes as Swarovski reported a 6% increase in revenue in 2024, reaching €1.906 billion—signaling strong momentum for the heritage crystal brand.
International News
AGTA appeals US Government to Scrap 10% Import Tariff on Gemstones
Trade body seeks exemption for coloured gemstones under new temporary tariff regime, with potential implications for diamonds.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has formally appealed to the US government to remove the newly imposed 10% global import tariff on gemstones, and potentially diamonds, warning of its impact on the trade.
The tariff was announced on February 20 after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, the administration introduced a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure will remain in effect for 150 days unless Congress votes to extend it, though further tariff mechanisms have not been ruled out.
AGTA has submitted a formal request to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging that precious and semiprecious coloured gemstones be added to the exception list under Annex I or Annex II. The association argued that these stones are not mined domestically in the US and therefore should qualify for exemption.
Previously, AGTA’s lobbying efforts contributed to diamonds and gemstones being included in Annex III — a list of products eligible for potential exemption from duties for “aligned” countries. This had placed Indian diamonds and gemstones on track for relief following a prospective US-India trade agreement. However, it remains unclear whether Annex III provisions apply under the new tariff framework that recently took effect.
If the across-the-board exemption request is denied, AGTA has asked the USTR to confirm whether Annex III remains a viable pathway for country-specific tariff relief on coloured gemstones.
While the current petition focuses on coloured gemstones, AGTA noted that trade experts believe any exemption granted in this category could effectively extend to diamonds, as seen in past trade agreements such as the US–European Union deal.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward eliminating tariffs on gemstone imports into the US. We remain fully committed to this effort — giving up is not an option,” said AGTA President Bruce Bridges and CEO John Ford.
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