CEO Reshuffle: What it means for the watch industry?

A rising cohort of CEOs is poised to reshape maisons, challenge tradition, and define the future of luxury timekeeping

Leadership in a watch company goes beyond managing operations—it’s about shaping the brand’s identity, strategy, and aspirations. In an industry where product development spans years, the CEO’s vision and stability are crucial.

Every leader leaves their mark, from deciding which complications to prioritise to how the brand engages with its audience. As a result, a change in leadership does more than shake up the boardroom—it can redefine a brand’s entire trajectory.

This is why the recent reshuffles in haute horlogerie have made waves across the industry. New CEOs bring fresh ideas and expertise, often steering brands into uncharted waters.

These transitions raise key questions: Will they honour the heritage cherished by collectors? Will they innovate boldly enough to captivate new audiences? And, perhaps most importantly, what do these shifts mean for an industry that thrives on balancing tradition with reinvention?

Above Jerome Lambert at a Jaeger-Lecoultre event in New Delhi, India in February 2006 (Photo by Sarang Sena/The The India Today Group via Getty Images)

Jerome Lambert at a Jaeger-Lecoultre event in New Delhi, India in February 2006 (Photo by Sarang Sena/The The India Today Group via Getty Images)

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Luxury powerhouse Richemont is navigating the delicate balance between continuity and reinvention. The standout move is Jérôme Lambert’s return to Jaeger-LeCoultre as CEO after 12 years. While Lambert retains his role as Richemont’s chief operating officer, his dual position underscores the group’s confidence in his ability to revitalise Jaeger-LeCoultre. Known for his charisma and visionary leadership, Lambert’s successful tenures at Montblanc and A. Lange & Söhne only heighten the anticipation surrounding his return.

Another significant development is Cyrille Vigneron’s departure from Cartier after eight years at the helm. Under Vigneron’s leadership, Cartier flourished. Though stepping down as CEO, he will continue as chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy.

Louis Ferla, former CEO of Vacheron Constantin, will now lead Cartier. Ferla’s transformative leadership at Vacheron helped make it Richemont’s second-largest earner in 2023. His ability to blend heritage with innovation will be crucial in maintaining Cartier’s momentum

Above Louis Ferla and Laurent Perves

Louis Ferla and Laurent Perves

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Ferla’s departure opens the door for Laurent Perves, previously Vacheron’s chief commercial officer, to take the reins as CEO. A key figure at Vacheron since 2016, Perves is well-positioned to steer the brand’s global operations.

Catherine Rénier, formerly CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, has moved to Van Cleef & Arpels, replacing Nicolas Bos, who became Richemont’s CEO in June 2024. Renier’s transition from a watch-focused brand to a jewellery maison highlights Richemont’s strategy of promoting talent across its diverse portfolio.

Above Nicolas Bos, former CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, is now the CEO of the Richemont Group

Nicolas Bos, former CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, is now the CEO of the Richemont Group

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At LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, commonly known as LVMH, leadership changes are set to reshape its watch division, with a mix of seasoned experts and fresh faces driving the luxury conglomerate’s brands forward.

Frédéric Arnault, who joined Tag Heuer in 2017 and became CEO in 2020, now leads the entire LVMH Watches division, overseeing Hublot, Tag Heuer, and Zenith. Arnault, celebrated for modernising Tag Heuer while preserving its motorsport heritage, is known for his innovation, including the successful introduction of the Tag Heuer Connected Watch.

Above Frédéric Arnault

Frédéric Arnault

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Julien Tornare, who successfully revamped Zenith during his tenure from 2017 to 2023, now takes over Hublot. His forward-thinking approach aligns with Hublot’s experimental spirit, known for its fusion of unconventional materials and avant-garde designs. Ricardo Guadalupe, long-time Hublot CEO, transitions to honourary president.

At Tag Heuer, Antoine Pin, former general manager at Bvlgari Horlogerie, steps in as CEO. His expertise in blending tradition with contemporary appeal will be crucial in strengthening both the mechanical and connected watch segments.

At Zenith, Benoît de Clerck takes over from Tornare. With over 25 years of industry experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge from key roles at Tag Heuer and Richemont. His expertise in global sales and brand management will be invaluable as Zenith seeks to elevate its heritage and innovation.

Above Antoine Pin

Antoine Pin

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While Richemont and LVMH embrace bold manoeuvres, the Swatch Group follows a strategy of measured evolution. Raynald Aeschlimann, Omega’s steady leader, continues to steer the brand to new heights, driving innovation while staying true to its heritage. Aeschlimann’s leadership is a prime example of the Swatch Group’s approach to gradual innovation.

Breguet’s new CEO, Gregory Kissling, steps into the role with a wealth of experience in product development within the Swatch Group’s high-end division. His appointment signals Breguet’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership in horological artistry while navigating new opportunities in the evolving luxury market.

Above Ilaria Resta

Ilaria Resta

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Why This Matters

Changes in the independent watch scene rarely make headlines unless they involve major players like Patek Philippe, Rolex or Audemars Piguet. One such shift that garnered attention was François- Henry Bennahmias’ retirement from Audemars Piguet and the appointment of Ilaria Resta as CEO in January 2024.

These leadership transitions mark a pivotal moment for haute horlogerie. Each maison, shaped by its new CEO, will redefine its priorities and ambitions, sending ripples throughout the industry. For collectors and enthusiasts, it’s a time of both anticipation and uncertainty. While leadership stability offers continuity, fresh perspectives bring the potential for exciting innovation.

The horology world will be watching closely as these new leaders settle into their roles. How will they balance preserving heritage with embracing change? Will bold moves disrupt tradition, or spark entirely new paradigms? One thing is clear: the future of luxury watches is being shaped as much in boardrooms as on the workbenches, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

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Topics

Watch CEOs Richemont LVMH Swatch Group