There were sudden changes in January in the management of the BaselWorld watch and jewelry show, the world’s largest watch trade fair.

Sylvie Sengelin-Ritter was named the new show director of BaselWorld by MCH Swiss Exhibition Ltd., owners and operators of the annual spring trade fair in Basel, Switzerland. Sengelin-Ritter has 10 years’ experience with the trade show company. She has been in charge of BaselWorld’s jewelry and precious stones sectors and national pavilions. René Kamm, MCH’s chief executive officer, was show director before being elected CEO and general manager of its global exhibitions division (including the Basel show) in 2002. Monica Guarnaccia, in charge of show marketing and communications, has been acting show director since late 2002.

Guarnaccia, with the company for five years, is leaving “of her own accord [following] years of successful work,” said the MCH announcement, which cited her “consistently constructive and professional collaboration.”

Bernard Keller, who worked with Guarnaccia, will take over communications. Sengelin-Ritter also will handle marketing, temporarily.

Martin Fergusson has been named the show’s sales director, working with exhibitors in all the show’s sectors, including watches (which he already directs).

The 2004 BaselWorld Watch and Jewelry Show is scheduled for April 15-22.