The Transfer Window Opens at MCT

It's not every Sunday that you get a press release on "comings and goings" but as it was Super Bowl Sunday I guess it was as good a time as any.  MCT announced a new CEO -

Courtesy of MCT

Pierre Jacques has been appointed the new head of MCT.  And here is where many of us start experiencing what can best be described as mixed emotions.  Students of recent watch history will note that in many ways MCT has not exactly been blessed with luck.  Back in 2010/2011 there was what could politely be referred to as a "crisis of confidence" as the demand of producing and delivering movements for another brand (who if I am not mistaken are back in the poop with another independent watch maker right now), which led to layoffs and ultimately the need for the company to be taken on by another group.  

But time, like life, moves forward.  And If I am honest, I am pleased that someone who did not necessarily come from the obvious stream of watch brand leaders has taken the helm.  Here is the break down from MCT:

Mr Jacques has more than 15 years of strategic and operational experience in the watch industry. He notably co-founded the international watch magazine GMT, directed the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and subsequently the Geneva flagship store of the retail group Les Ambassadeurs, before serving for five years as CEO of the De Bethune brand.

So we wish Mr. Jacques the very best of success.  Let's hope things will now continue to move forward for MCT.

The Transfer Window and De Bethune

Pierre Jacques has announced that he will be moving on from his position with De Bethune to pursue other opportunities.

Courtesy of De Bethune

Suffice it to say that this has upset a number of fans and supporters, but with very few exceptions (read "Dear Leader" of certain brands) everyone is eventually replaceable.  Some more easily than others.

For some of us in the fourth and fifth estates this is particularly sad news.  In many ways Pierre Jacques was one of us, having started the watch magazine GMT and sold it before taking the helm at De Bethune.  Five years is a good run, and better than many enjoy these days.

We wish him well and best of success in his future.

Here is the release in its entirety -

Pierre Jacques announces he is leaving De Bethune
 

Today, Pierre Jacques announced that, after five years as CEO of De Bethune, he will be leaving the manufacturer of luxury watches at the end of 2015.

“It has been a great chance and honour to take on the challenge of working for De Bethune”, declared Pierre Jacques. “De Bethune is an amazing manufacturer whose products are renowned worldwide and requested by watch connoisseurs and collectors from all over the world. Founded in 2002, De Bethune creates luxury watches that are nowadays sold by the most prestigious retailers in the world as well as in the Geneva boutique. I’m proud to have contributed to the successful development of the company by working closely with David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, founders of the company, who have always supported me. However, I feel that this chapter of my professional career comes to an end and it is time for me to look at new challenges and horizons”.

Pierre Jacques has more than 15 years of experience in this sector. Before joining De Bethune, one of the leading watch manufacturers, renowned for its technical and artistic creativity, he co-founded the watch magazine GMT and then sold it to Edipresse group in 2007. Pierre Jacques has also been in the board of the Geneva Grand Prix d’Horlogerie and he managed the Geneva branch of the well-known watch retailer and jeweler “Les Ambassadeurs”.
 

Pierre Jacques appointed CEO of De Bethune

Pierre Jacques appointed CEO of De Bethune



Mr. David Zanetta, President of the Board of Directors and his co-founder, Mr. Denis Flageollet, Director of Production, are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Pierre Jacques as Chief Executive Officer of De Bethune.

Mr. Pierre Jacques will officially take up his responsibilities within the company as of March 1st 2011. He holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and in 2000 co-founded the famous GMT specialised magazine that has since become an international reference publication in the field of fine watchmaking. Since January 2010, he had been serving as Branch Manager of Les Ambassadeurs Genève, and also headed the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix as director of the organising company.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. David Zanetta said: "The arrival of Mr. Pierre Jacques marks a new stage in De Bethune's international development".



www.debethune.ch