James Kennedy

James Kennedy: Managing Director & CEO of Kennedy Watches & Jewellery

James Kennedy

Managing Director & CEO

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, James spent the first 7 years of his career in investment banking with Deutsche Bank, with the knowledge that he would eventually be at the helm of the family business.

An innovative leader in the luxury retail industry, James Kennedy grew the company and its offerings to their diverse clientele. By 2011, Kennedy had successfully opened two LK Boutiques at the Crown in Melbourne and The Star in Sydney. Today, Kennedy Watches & Jewellery boasts over 100 employees and 10 boutiques nationwide.

With service and quality at the core of his business, James’ approach is rooted in building a strong culture that serves both watch aficionados and discerning fine jewellery customers. The successful launch of multiple mono brand and multi brand boutiques, as well as bringing some of the world’s most exclusive brands to Australia’s shores are testament to his business acumen.

Today, Kennedy is the official retailer for many of the most revered brands, globally.

James elevates the Kennedy promise-  to offer personalised in-store and after-sales experiences for discerning luxury clients in Australia.

01

Leadership

Under James’ distinctive entrepreneurial mindset, the Kennedy brand has achieved remarkable growth and innovation in the luxury retail industry.

02

Innovation

By consistently pushing the boundaries of technology and design, the brand Kennedy Watches & Jewellery stands at the forefront of innovation, redefining the concept of luxury retailing.

03

Quality

Committed to quality, Kennedy offers world leading brands synonymous with craftsmanship and excellence.

Philosophy & Approach

Embodying a customer-centric approach, James seamlessly balances innovation with tradition while upholding quality and service excellence. With exceptional customer experience at the core of the Kennedy brand, he prioritises personalised one-to-one service with a meticulous attention to detail for discerning clientele across all Kennedy boutiques.

James reframes challenges into opportunities for growth, using resilience and adaptability as his core strengths in the luxury retail space, with a focus on fine jewellery and watches. Central to his philosophy is building a cohesive team rooted in a collaborative and service-oriented culture.

“Our passionate staff live and breathe the Kennedy values of Refined, Heritage, Excellence, Aspiration, and Devotion; and as a business we remain focused on delivering an unparalleled experience for our customers.” – James Kennedy

About Kennedy Watches & Jewellery

Kennedy Watches & Jewellery, established in 1976, has become Australia’s premier destination for luxury timepieces and fine jewellery. With a commitment to heritage, elegance and innovation, Kennedy has curated an exquisite collection of the world’s finest brands.

Under the leadership of James Kennedy, the company has grown from a single store to a network of boutiques across Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Renowned for its customer-centric approach and exceptional product knowledge, Kennedy Watches & Jewellery ensures each client finds an exquisite piece which reflects their aspirations or commemorates a memorable moment. This dedication to excellence and craftsmanship has earned Kennedy a distinguished reputation in the luxury industry.