The Luxury Item with Scott Kerr

Hosted by Scott Kerr

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192

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Host Scott Kerr gives you the in-depth, unfiltered interviews with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands. Kerr chats with the biggest names in the luxury business, from CEOs and C-suite executives to creative directors and fashion designers, about the forces redefining the sector: from customer expectations and brand relevance to new approaches in creativity, operations, AI and growth strategy. Want to get in touch? Email us, scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

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September 8, 202632 min

S18 E06: Aaron Kirman, CEO of Christie's International Real Estate Southern California

While the rest of America's homebuyers are stuck waiting out high rates, the ultra-wealthy are on a buying spree. As demand concentrates around truly distinctive properties, expertise in positioning and storytelling has become as important as the asset itself. Scott Kerr is joined by Aaron Kirman, founder and CEO of Christie's International Real Estate Southern California, and one of the most successful and influential figures in global luxury real estate. Aaron explains why the luxury real estate market is increasingly divided between flawless, blue chip properties and everything else, why ultra-wealthy buyers are expanding their real estate footprints, and why today's luxury buyer expects turnkey execution. He also discusses how international buyers, particularly from Asia and the Middle East, continue to play an outsized role in major luxury real estate transactions, and how a single $60 million-plus crypto inquiry led to the launch of the first-ever crypto division at a U.S. real estate brokerage. Plus: Why AI will not replace real estate agents. Featuring: Aaron Kirman, Founder and CEO of Christie's International Real Estate Southern California (christiesresocal.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: Host Scott Kerr gives listeners in-depth, unfiltered interviews with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands. Kerr chats with the biggest names in the luxury business, from CEOs and C-suite executives to creative directors and fashion designers, about the forces redefining the sector: from customer expectations and brand relevance to new approaches in creativity, operations, AI and growth strategy. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

August 25, 202645 min

S18 E05: Francois-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin Americas

Swiss watchmaking’s most compelling momentum may be coming from its independents. These small maisons pairing centuries of technical discipline with remarkably personal creative vision. One Swiss luxury manufacture that has repeatedly shown how an independent spirit can challenge the conventions of high horology is the 180-year-old Ulysse Nardin. Scott Kerr speaks to Francois-Xavier "FX" Hotier, president of Ulysse Nardin Americas, about the modern appeal of independent watchmaking, why direct relationships with collectors define a true independent brand, and how younger, more informed collectors are reshaping luxury watch demand. He also talks about how Ulysse Nardin regaining independence from Kering helped strengthen its collector appeal and why its groundbreaking Freak collection remains the brand’s “laboratory on the wrist.” Plus: Why UN watches resonates with AI- and tech-driven wealth creators Featuring: Francois-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin Americas (ulysse-nardin.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

August 11, 202631 min

S18 E04: Tina Necrason, Global Head of Branded Residential at Hyatt

Branded residences are one of the most dynamic growth stories in luxury today, bringing together real estate, hospitality, and affluent consumer lifestyles. For Hyatt, branded residences is a strategic growth pillar in luxury and lifestyle real estate. Scott Kerr sits down with Tina Necrason, Hyatt's global head of branded residential, to discuss why branded residences are becoming a major luxury real estate growth category, how today’s affluent buyer is seeking “lifestyle per foot", and what goes into translating each hotel brand’s distinct personality and lifestyle promise into residences. She also talks about seeing the great wealth transfer unfolding in who's buying branded residences, and how wellness has become a big differentiator that's moving beyond amenities, preventative care. Plus: Why today's young branded residences buyers want completed, turnkey homes they can experience immediately. Featuring: Tina Necrason, Global Head of Branded Residential at Hyatt (hyatt.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: Host Scott Kerr gives listeners in-depth, unfiltered interviews with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands. Kerr chats with the biggest names in the luxury business, from CEOs and C-suite executives to creative directors and fashion designers, about the forces redefining the sector: from customer expectations and brand relevance to new approaches in creativity, operations, AI and growth strategy. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

August 4, 202631 min

Bonus Episode: Eva Chow, Founder of KHEE Soju and Co-Chair of the LACMA Art + Film Gala

Eva Chow has been dubbed the "culture queen of Los Angeles" by The New York Times. She is a prominent cultural figure and Korean-American entrepreneur whose career spans fashion designer, restaurateur, arts patron, and founder of premium spirits brand KHEE Soju. Eva also co-chairs the star-studded Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Art + Film Gala along with actor Leonardo DiCaprio. In this bonus episode, Eva talks with Scott Kerr about why Koreans’ deep cultural heritage and focus on quality make Korea a unique driver of global luxury demand and how she believes luxury houses are tapping K-culture superficially. She discusses how the LACMA Art + Film Gala became the "Met Ball of the West" and Gucci's steady partnership over the years. Eva describes launching KHEE as a way to reset what people think soju is and to position it squarely in the white spirits conversation. Plus: How she helped transform the iconic Mr Chow restaurant into a contemporary cultural salon Featuring: Eva Chow, Founder of KHEE Soju and Co-Chair of the LACMA Art + Film Gala (kheesoju.com, lacma.org/ArtPlusFilmGala) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

July 28, 202630 min

S18 E03: Lisa Bauer, President and CEO at Starboard

Cruise ships have become some of the most dynamic luxury retail environments in the world, and Starboard is the biggest player in the cruise retail business. Starboard's president and CEO Lisa Bauer sits down with Scott Kerr to discuss how the company brings top luxury maisons to life at sea with boutique‑level standards. She shares the psychology behind cruisers spending four or five figures on watches and jewelry, why cruise retail is an untapped luxury and experiential channel, and breaking the "mall at sea" stereotype. She also talks about how onboard clienteling strategies are different than land-based ones, and how Starboard builds luxury lineups for specific ships and itineraries. Plus: LVMH’s role as minority partner in sharing data and co-creating onboard concepts and experiences. Featuring: Lisa Bauer, President and CEO at Starboard (starboardretailgroup.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: Host Scott Kerr gives listeners in-depth, unfiltered interviews with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands. Kerr chats with the biggest names in the luxury business, from CEOs and C-suite executives to creative directors and fashion designers, about the forces redefining the sector: from customer expectations and brand relevance to new approaches in creativity, operations, AI and growth strategy. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

July 7, 202630 min

S18 E02: Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder & CEO of Aqua Expeditions

Scott Kerr is joined by Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions, an ultra-luxury small‑ship cruise operator specializing in taking UHNW travelers on immersive expeditions to some of the world's most remote destinations. Francesco, who founded Aqua in 2007 and a pioneer of luxury river cruising, discusses why expedition cruising resonates with wealthy travelers and if their risk tolerance has changed in the last 20 years. He also talks about why Aqua deliberately chooses to slow down and go deeper into each destination’s ecosystem and culture on its voyages, how ultra-affluent guests getting younger and more active, and why its fine dining program is a psychological luxury counterpoint to the sensorially intense expeditions. Plus: Preserving Aqua's founder-led culture and exploratory DNA after its recent acquisition by Ponant Explorations Group Featuring: Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions (aquaexpeditions.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: Host Scott Kerr gives you the in-depth, unfiltered interviews with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands. Kerr chats with the biggest names in the luxury business, from CEOs and presidents to creative directors and fashion designers, about the forces redefining the sector: from customer expectations and brand relevance to new approaches in creativity, operations, AI and growth strategy. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

June 30, 202630 min

S18 E01: Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, Creative Director at Bang & Olufsen

Scott Kerr sits down with Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, creative director at Bang & Olufsen, the Danish luxury audio company renowned for its synthesis of minimalist Scandinavian design with high-end speakers, headphones, and home entertainment systems. Kresten discusses the design and business principles that have anchored B&O's longevity for the last 100 years, staying culturally relevant without chasing trends, and why Scandinavian luxury resonates with consumers. He also talks about why B&O thinks about products in terms of customer life phases, how the brand is making itself more visually distinctive for the next generation, and taking a long-term brand perspective to ensure coherent evolution. Plus: How B&O designs automotive sound experiences to ensure each system feels emotionally native to that luxury car brand. Featuring: Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, Creative Director of Bang & Olufsen (bang-olufsen.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: Host Scott Kerr gives you the in-depth, unfiltered interviews with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands. Kerr chats with the biggest names in the luxury business, from CEOs and presidents to creative directors and fashion designers, about the forces redefining the sector: from customer expectations and brand relevance to new approaches in creativity, operations, AI and growth strategy. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

June 16, 202632 min

S17 E09: Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts

Scott Kerr speaks to Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts, a new venture by Four Seasons designed to bring the brand's renowned ultra-luxury hospitality to the high seas. The inaugural vessel, Four Seasons I, officially launched in March. Trodd, a 25+ year veteran of Four Seasons, explains why ultra-luxury yachting is a natural extension of the Four Seasons brand and outlines how ultra-wealthy guests are shifting from overt opulence to intentional, hyper-personalized travel experiences. He also breaks down Four Seasons Yachts' competitive lens, how he preserves Four Seasons’ brand integrity while operating at sea, and using deep guests insights to anticipate preferences and design itineraries. Plus: Trodd unpacks the economics and KPIs behind the Four Seasons Yachts asset-light model Featuring: Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts (fourseasonsyachts.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

June 9, 202632 min

S17 E08: Simon Kneen, Brand President at J.Hilburn

Scott Kerr sits down with Simon Kneen, brand president and creative force at custom menswear clothier J.Hilburn. Over the course of his career at places like Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, and French fashion house Balmain, Simon has helped shape some of the most recognizable names in apparel. He explains why men have shifted their desire towards better fit apparel and intentional dressing, what he learned from repositioning Brooks Brothers and how his Banana Republic x Mad Men collaboration set a benchmark for TV‑to‑retail capsules. Simon also discusses how J.Hilburn blends atelier‑level product with a direct, stylist‑driven distribution model, why its stylists think like hoteliers, and what differentiates good, better, and exceptional materials in real life. Plus: How social meida platforms now function as each man’s “personal magazine." Featuring: Simon Kneen, Brand President at J.Hilburn (jhilburn.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

June 2, 202629 min

S17 E07: Stuart McNeill, Founder and CEO of Knightsbridge Circle

Scott Kerr is joined by Stuart McNeill, founder and CEO of Knightsbridge Circle, one of the most exclusive invitation-only luxury concierge firms in the world. McNeill, who founded the company in 2012 after previously launching the American Express Centurion Card Elite Service, explains how his experience at Amex inspired him to build Knightsbridge Circle as a deliberately niche, ultra‑high‑touch concierge model that caters to the ultrawealthy. He shares how an Elton John philanthropy event helped seed his initial client base of centimillionaires, the extreme anticipation of member needs required to keep them engaged (and the firm's revenue stream flowing), and the surge in young crypto- and tech-wealthy members. Stuart also unpacks why the ultrawealthy have shifted from ownership to access and bespoke, unrepeatable experiences. Plus: Why he runs Knightsbridge Circle as a capped community of around 250 members worldwide versus a scaled model. Featuring: Stuart McNeill, Founder and CEO of Knightsbridge Circle (knightsbridgecircle.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward. Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!