LVMH Announces Frédéric Arnault Appointment As CEO Of TAG Heuer & Stéphane Bianchi As CEO of Watches & Jewelry Division
Luxury conglomerate LVMH has just announced that Frédéric Arnault will take over as CEO of TAG Heuer beginning July 1st. Continuing off the success of the brand’s latest connected watch, Arnault will support and accelerate both innovation and development for the luxury timepiece Maison, with iconic creations like the Carrera, Monaco and Aquaracer under its belt.
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“It fills me with pride to see Frédéric succeed me at the helm of TAG Heuer after the key role he has played in its strategic repositioning,” began Bianchi. “He has carved out a place for digital at the heart of the company’s aspirations, restored real momentum to the collections, all the while skilfully managing the development and launch of the hugely successful third Connected watch generation. Frédéric is passionate about watchmaking, and I am convinced that he and his management team are best placed to lead this wonderful Maison to the heights of achievement it deserves.”
Photo Credit: BFA
In addition, it was announced that Stéphane Bianchi was appointed CEO of the Watches and Jewelry division for LVMH, also beginning from July 1st. In addition to the watch brands in the LVMH portfolio—TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith—Bianchi will also oversee jewelry Maisons Chaumet and FRED, where Managing Directors Jean-Marc Mansvelt and Charles Leung, will both report to Bianchi directly. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, will continue to report to Toni Belloni, LVMH Group Managing Director.
“Since his arrival at LVMH, Stéphane has given the Watchmaking Division a new lease of life, strengthening the fundamental principles of each of the brands and exploring promising new avenues,” began Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH. “I am certain that he will continue this great work and that he will apply all of his talents and his determination to the development of the Maisons Chaumet and FRED. Frédéric’s appointment comes as an affirmation of his achievements at TAG Heuer, where he succeeded in combining innovation, heritage and savoir-faire within this historic brand. These two appointments demonstrate our full confidence in the growth potential of these brands. I wish them both every success going forward.”