Frédéric Arnault’s Appointment Highlights the Increasing Significance of LVMH Watches

Frédéric Arnault has rapidly ascended within LVMH through a succession strategy that ensures the future of the luxury business.

LVMH commenced the new year by announcing a substantial reorganization of their watches and jewelry division, which includes some notable internal appointments. It seems that 2024 marks the year that Bernard Arnault, chairman, founder, and CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), will commence the implementation of his succession plans. The 74-year-old luxury mogul is preparing his son to assume leadership as the business revealed a series of new appointments spanning Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith. LUXUO examines the implications of this reorganization for LVMH's future.

Frédéric Arnault Designated as Chief Executive Officer of LVMH Watches

Frédéric Arnault commenced his tenure at TAG Heuer in 2017, rapidly ascending to the position of chief strategy and digital officer the subsequent year, before ultimately assuming the role of CEO in 2020. Throughout his six-year time at TAG Heuer, Frédéric leveraged his digital expertise, acquired from his experience at Facebook’s artificial intelligence research division, to implement substantial transformations within the company. This was chiefly accomplished when the 29-year-old amalgamated his technological expertise and digital innovation with luxury watchmaking. Under his leadership, TAG Heuer integrated premium aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, launched lab-grown diamonds, redefined iconic models such as the Aquaracer and Carrera, and effectively implemented a comprehensive transformation strategy focused on brand enhancement and desirability.

Frédéric's recent appointment as CEO of LVMH watches positions him in a crucial role at Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith, where he will report to Stéphane Bianchi, CEO of LVMH's watches and jewellery division. Frédéric has performed exceptionally at TAG Heuer during the last six years. Bianchi noted, "His distinctive and revolutionary vision for the watchmaking industry resulted in a remarkable transformation for TAG Heuer, which swiftly regained its status as the luxury watch brand synonymous with high performance." Frédéric Arnault has swiftly ascended inside LVMH, and his exit from TAG Heuer was merely a logical progression in his professional path. Frédéric possesses both national heritage and familial investment, being French and an Arnault. His association with the Arnault family in a strategic leadership role adds significant influence to LVMH's watchmaking sector.

Julien Tornare Appointed as CEO of TAG Heuer

As it goes, quite the opposite is the case for Julien Tornare when compared to Frédéric. Julien is a Geneva native who spent years overlooking Vacheron Constantin in Asia eventually getting tapped to rebrand Zenith. His appointment at TAG Heuer is almost the equivalent to a “mission accomplished” seal of approval to his time at Zenith, and a strong mandate for him to steer the grand watchmaking ship that is TAG Heuer.

Having held the helm at Zenith as CEO since 2017, Julien spoke to LUXUO in 2020 in an exclusive interview stating “We have to feed the industry, to move things forward. The new generation wants to buy watches from dynamic companies. I strongly believe that the millennials, as they are known, don’t want the same watches as their parents – if they do then they will buy vintage but that’s a different story,” perhaps foreshadowing the shift that would lay ahead.  

Benoit de Clerck Succeeds Julien Tornare as CEO of Zenith

Julien’s sucessor — Benoit de Clerck comes with 25 years of experience in the luxury watchmaking industry and understands international business development and dynamic sales strategies which has seen him expand market reach and increase profitability during his time as COO at Panerai, which is owned by Richemont. Benoit has built a reputation on handling international sales negotiations, pioneering retail solutions and a vast understanding of market dynamics.

Julien Tornare, Benoit de Clerck and Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, will now report to Frédéric Arnault. So how does Julien Tornare and Benoit de Clerck play a role in positioning Frédéric Arnault rise and the future of LVMH? Well, simply put Julien Tornare understands watchmaking and has bulit a career on it. Clerck on the other hand is a master of business strategy. The combination of the two alongside Frédéric Arnault’s technical insight and forward-thinking vision is but the first step in cementing LVMH’s future as a luxury powerhouse.