Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has appointed Ilaria Resta (pictured) as CEO, beginning next year.
The veteran cosmetics executive will join the 148-year-old watch brand, which remains family-owned, in August. On Jan. 1, 2024, she will officially take on the role of CEO. That will make her one of only a handful of women who have headed major watch companies. (One other exception: Catherine Rénier, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre.)
Resta replaces François-Henry Bennahmias, Audemars Piguet’s CEO since 2012, who announced his intention to leave last year. Bennahmias has worked at the company for nearly three decades and will remain through the end of 2023.
New chief executive Resta has more than 25 years of international experience leading divisions of big companies. She most recently served as president, global perfumery and ingredients, at Firmenich, a fragrance conglomerate. Prior to that, she spent 22 years at Procter & Gamble, where she worked on iconic products like Tide, Swiffer, Duracell, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Ariel, and Fairy.
In a statement, Audemars Piguet chairman (and former Tiffany CEO) Alessandro Bogliolo hailed “Ilaria’s belief in the empowerment of teams and her accomplishments as an inspirational leader in corporate sustainability.”
He also thanked Bennahmias for his lengthy service, “transformational leadership,” and “commitment to stay until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.”
(Photo courtesy of Audemars Piguet)
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
