| Mon 26 Mar 2001, 0:00 | | Changes To Richemont Management |
|
PRESS RELEASE
The Board of Compagnie Financiere Richemont AG, the holding company of the
Swiss luxury goods group, today announced several changes to the roles of
Executive Directors who serve on the Board of Richemont SA, the Group's
Management Board. These changes are a consequence of the acquisition of Les
Manufactures Horlogeres SA ("LMH") that was completed in December of last year.
The structure will ensure that the various "Maisons" maintain their separate,
vertical autonomy and product integrity whilst obtaining maximum synergistic
benefits from this important strategic acquisition.
Johann Rupert, currently Chairman and Chief Executive of Richemont SA, will
remain as Executive Chairman of the Management Board, while continuing as Chief
Executive at the holding company level. Alain Dominique Perrin becomes Chief
Executive of Richemont SA. Jan du Plessis, Finance Director, will continue to
report directly to Mr Rupert.
Richard Lepeu, currently Chief Executive of Cartier, becomes Chief Operating
Officer of Richemont. Amongst others, his role will include responsibility for
the coordination and development of a number of critically important
operational functions such as supply chain management, information technology,
logistics and after-sales service.
Guy Leymarie, currently Chief Executive of Alfred Dunhill, succeeds Mr Lepeu to
become Chief Executive of Cartier.
G|nter Blumlein, previously Chief Executive of LMH, becomes Chief Executive of
Richemont's new specialist Watch Division with responsibility for
Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, A.Lange &
Sohne and Officine Panerai.
Recognising the need to coordinate the strategic development of these
respective brands, Franco Cologni becomes Executive Chairman of both Cartier
and the newly formed Watch Division.
Simon Critchell, currently Chief Executive of Richemont in North America, will
move from New York to London to become Chief Executive of Alfred Dunhill and
will become a member of the Management Board.
Callum Barton, currently Operations Director of Richemont based in Geneva, will
move to New York to become Chief Executive of Richemont North America.
Richemont owns a portfolio of leading luxury goods "Maisons", including
Cartier, Montblanc, Alfred Dunhill, Lancel and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as
the prestigious watch manufacturers Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, Baume & Mercier,
IWC, Vacheron Constantin, A.Lange & Sohne and Officine Panerai.
COMPAGNIE FINANCIERE RICHEMONT AG
RIGISTRASSE 2 CH-6300 ZUG SWITZERLAND
Telephone +41 (0)41 710 3322 Telefax +41 (0)41 711 7102 WWW.RICHEMONT.COM
