Damien Dernoncourt Keynote Speaker

Damien is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Naga Brands, a Hong Kong based holding company focused on investing and bringing expertise to creative entrepreneurs and consumer brands, mainly in the market and luxury goods sector.

Prior to NAGA, Damien ran John Hardy for 11 years, a jewelry brand he built into a true global luxury player. Through a management buyout, Damien assumed control of the company with the support of private equity group 3i. In 2014, he sold a controlling stake to L Catterton and is now a board member.

Damien Dernoncourt is regarded as the driving force behind the John Hardy evolution into a true global luxury brand. From 2003 to 2014, he oversaw an international team of over 1500 individuals across the company’s facilities in Bali, Hong Kong, Bangkok and New York. He speaks about social strategy to improve employees well-being and shareholder return.

Prior to joining John Hardy, French born Dernoncourt began his career in Hong Kong in 1995, where he spent his early years leading a buying office for a major French importer. Following this role, Dernoncourt utilised his experience to establish Asiapack, a packaging and logistics company in China.

One year after he joined the John Hardy Group in 2003, Dernoncourt was promoted to President, giving him the responsibility of organising the company’s management team and streamlining operations. Through a management buyout, Dernoncourt along with John Hardy Head Designer and Creative Director, Guy Bedarida, assumed control of the company in 2007 with the support of a private equity group. They went on to establish a unique strategic relationship to build the next generation of the John Hardy family.

Under his leadership, John Hardy evolved into a global pioneer in Sustainable Luxury™ with focuses on environmental accountability, social responsibility and cultural preservation. To-date, John Hardy has planted 900,000 bamboo seedlings throughout Bali to offset the company’s carbon emission.

Dernoncourt has been credited with building the John Hardy into one of the most successful jewellery brands in the US. His foresight has impressively expanded the company’s growth in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He is also dedicated to ensure that the company continues to be a pioneer in the area of environment, local culture preservation and sustainability.