In a surprising move, LVMH Watches has appointed Frédéric Arnault, the former CEO of TAG Heuer, as the new leader and CEO of the entire LVMH Watches division. Arnault, who played a pivotal role in repositioning TAG Heuer since 2020, will now oversee Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith collectively.
Julien Tornare, the outgoing CEO of Zenith, will take over as the new CEO of TAG Heuer. Tornare, who led Zenith since 2017, focused on balancing the heritage and modernity of the brand, a strategy that aligns with TAG Heuer’s approach.
Benoit de Clerck, the former Chief Commercial Officer at Panerai with extensive experience at Richemont, has been appointed as the new CEO of Zenith.
Frédéric Arnault’s ascent to the CEO position means he will report to Stéphane Bianchi, the CEO of LVMH Watches & Jewelry. The individual CEOs of each brand—Julien Tornare, Benoit de Clerck, and Ricardo Guadalupe (Hublot)—will report directly to Arnault.
Under Arnault’s leadership, TAG Heuer underwent a transformation, embracing a more modern and playful direction while emphasizing the brand’s heritage. Arnault’s success at the brand level positions him well for this broader role within LVMH’s watch division. His focus on engaging with a younger audience, exemplified by initiatives like the Connected Watch and collaborations with cultural figures like Ryan Gosling, reflects his understanding of the evolving watch market.
As Arnault takes on the new position, the industry will be keen to see how he shapes the collective vision of LVMH Watches and its individual brands. The leadership changes indicate a strategic move within LVMH to leverage Arnault’s successful track record in reinvigorating TAG Heuer across the broader watch portfolio.
