Swiss watch brand Ulysse Nardin has named François-Xavier Hotier (pictured) president of Ulysse Nardin Americas.

In the position, he will oversee the brand’s development in North America and South America.

Born in France, Hotier holds degrees in political science and economics from universities in Bordeaux and Paris. He is also an alumni of Harvard Business School’s general management program.

Hotier spent the first 15 years of his career in the Russian Federation. For the past decade, he has worked for the LVMH Group. As general manager for TAG Heuer Russia, he transformed the formerly unknown brand into a leader in the market, which it remains. He then became Russian general manager for Parfums Christian Dior. In 2015, he relocated to the brand’s Paris headquarters as commercial director, Europe.

At Ulysse Nardin, owned by rival conglomerate Kerig, Hotier reports to brand CEO Patrick Pruniaux, who in 2014 made headlines when he temporary absconded to Apple’s special project team to work on the launch of the company’s Apple Watch.

In a statement, Hotier said his focus at the watch brand will be on “the essentials: a limited, authorized distribution network, strong support to our trusted retail partners, and marketing that emphasizes the brand’s compelling heritage and quest for innovation.”

“Consumer behavior and shopping trends have changed extensively—both in brick-and-mortar and on the digital side,” he added. “Maintaining the brand’s agility and using a retail-oriented approach are integral to the U.S. market.”

Hotier’s father is a major general in the French Armed Forces, and Hotier “is deeply passionate about communicating Ulysse Nardin’s marine heritage and its long-standing relationship with the U.S. Navy,” according to the statement.

In his free time, Hotier is an avid outdoorsman, sailor, and hiker, as well as a frequent guest lecturer at top universities.

(Image courtesy of Ulysse Nardin)

Rob Bates

JCK News Director