Jean-Christophe Babin Named CEO of LVMH Watches

Just ahead of this year’s Watches & Wonders, Jean-Christophe Babin has been appointed as the CEO of LVMH Watches, effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Frédéric Arnault, who has taken on the role of CEO at Loro Piana. Babin will report directly to Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH Group Managing Director, while continuing his current responsibilities as CEO of Bvlgari.

His appointment signals a continued evolution for LVMH’s watch division, which oversees prestigious brands such as Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith. Babin’s extensive experience and leadership within the luxury sector make him an ideal fit to drive strategic growth while strengthening each brand’s global presence. He previously spent twelve years at TAG Heuer and has led Bvlgari since 2013, demonstrating his ability to elevate luxury maisons through innovation and strong brand positioning.

Under Frédéric Arnault’s leadership, LVMH’s watchmaking division underwent a transformation, optimizing operations and refining brand strategies. Bianchi acknowledged his contributions, emphasizing how Babin’s entrepreneurial vision and leadership would continue to shape the division’s future. He expressed confidence that Babin would bring sustainable growth and reinforce LVMH’s position in the high-end watch industry.

Babin’s leadership will oversee Julien Tornare at Hublot, Antoine Pin at TAG Heuer, and Benoit de Clerck at Zenith. His experience in developing luxury brands, combined with his keen strategic insight, is expected to drive new levels of innovation and prestige across LVMH’s watch portfolio.

His career began in sales and marketing, with early roles at Procter & Gamble in France, followed by Benckiser and Henkel in Italy. In 2000, he joined LVMH as CEO of TAG Heuer, where he played a crucial role in the brand’s expansion. His tenure at Bvlgari has been marked by a transformation of the Roman jeweler, blending heritage with modernity to strengthen its global luxury appeal.

As LVMH continues to lead the luxury market, Babin’s expertise will be instrumental in propelling its watch brands to greater heights. His appointment underscores LVMH’s commitment to excellence, blending innovation with timeless craftsmanship.