Frédéric Arnault is Appointed CEO of LVMH Watches — Alongside Other Pivotal Changes in the Division

The New Year is off to a major start as news broke this morning that Frédéric Arnault is stepping into a new role as CEO of LVMH Watches, who has been with TAG Heuer since 2017 and served as its CEO since 2020. In addition to this strategic move, several significant internal mobility changes and appointments have been announced, signaling a new era for some of the most iconic watch brands under LVMH.

In his capacity as CEO, Arnault will oversee the three prestigious watch brands — Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith. Equipped for the role after a remarkable track record in driving transformation and growth during his tenure at TAG Heuer, Arnault led key moments for the brand like the flagship opening in New York and the spearheading innovations to the iconic Carrera timepiece.

Of course, within this change at the top of the LVMH Watch & Jewelry chain, there is a domino effect. Julien Tornare, who has been at the helm of Zenith as CEO since 2017, is set to take charge as CEO of TAG Heuer. With extensive experience within the LVMH Group and a strong background in the watchmaking industry, Tornare’s leadership is expected to further elevate the Maison’s iconic collections.

The CEO position at Zenith, now vacated by Tornare, will now be held by Benoit de Clerck. Benoit brings 25 years of invaluable experience within the watchmaking industry, including a distinguished career within the Richemont Group, making him well-suited to continue Zenith’s legacy of innovation and excellence.

These strategic changes are designed to harness the unique strengths and experiences of each leader to drive growth and innovation within their respective brands. Frederic Arnault will provide oversight and direction to the three Watch Maisons, ensuring a strong and sustainable future for LVMH within the watchmaking industry.

Stephane Bianchi, the CEO of LVMH Watches & Jewelry Division, expressed confidence in these appointments within the press release, highlighting Arnault’s disruptive vision, Tornare’s entrepreneurial spirit, and de Clerck’s deep watchmaking expertise — ultimately setting the tone for the future of watchmaking within LVMH for 2024.

With LVMH Watch Week on the horizon — set in Miami at the end of January — these changes just marked that week as one of the most highly-anticipated watch events in the industry to date. Zooming out, the industry has been abuzz with whisperings that major shake-ups were in line to take place at LVMH, but now that it’s actually here, we can’t help but wonder, so now what? I think we will have a rather clear idea of each leader’s vision for the respective brands come January 28th in Miami — stay tuned.