Yesterday, this interesting announcement was distributed through the LVMH network. That´s not a surprise for ma at all. Honestly I already thought that LVMH would announce this change much earlier…
This is the official LVMH press release…
Having successfully led the integration of Bulgari within LVMH, Mr. Francesco Trapani has decided to relinquish his operational duties as head of Watches and Jewelry division from 1st March 2014. He becomes an adviser to Group Chairman, Mr. Bernard Arnault, on matters relating to the Group’s jewelry operations, and remains a Director on the Board of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
The Group’s jewelry Maisons (Bulgari, Chaumet, Fred and De Beers) will now report to Mr. Belloni, LVMH Group Managing Director.
Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, currently President of Hublot, will also take responsibility for the other watch brands TAG Heuer and Zenith.
Mr. Arnault commented: “Over many years Francesco Trapani has progressively built Bulgari into a brand respected around the world for its refinement and appeal. Over the past three years, Francesco has successfully completed the integration of this prestigious brand within our group. I am delighted that I will continue to be able to draw on his wisdom and advice in the years ahead. I am also delighted that Jean- Claude Biver has agreed to lead our wacthmaking activities. His experience and achievement within this sector speak for themselves, best illustrated by the remarkable success of Hublot. I am convinced that his entrepreneurial talent and creativity will add significant momentum to our other brands in the sector”.
Jean-Claude Biver, I wish you all the best !!!
Whatever Jean-Claude Biver does is successful. Either as business man or a hobby farmer. By the way his cheese is legendary… 🙂
J’espère que Mr Dufour aura encore quelque chose à dire surtout suite aux échos concernant le caractère bien trempé de Mr Biver. Zenith est une manufacture qui est à la hauteur d’autres prestigieuses manufactures mais qui a eu un déficit d’image. Elle dépasse pour moi celle d’Omega, rivalise avec Jaeger-Le-Coultre et arrive presque au niveau de Vacheron, Audemars voir Patek-Philippe. Zenith a produit des mouvements pour Rolex par exemple et d’autres marques. Bref espérons que Zenith poursuive sur une pente ascendante.
No worries my fried JCB was and is JFD mentor, so he was and is in best hands and together they will show the world what Zenith is able to do… I agree with you Zenith still is a sleeping beauty…
Does this decision have any consequences on the work and responsibility of Jean-Fred Dufour?
No! JFD and JCB are close friends. It was JCB to recommend JFD for the position as CEO of Zenith and since then he supports and also protects JFD. No worries Thomas!
Dear Mr Biver! Good luck with your new endeavour but keep the prices of Zenith low until i buy one! thanks
Truly a wise decision… congratulation.
Congratulations and good luck – I am very happy to see Jean-Claude Biver in this position.
The best man for this job, I see especially Zentith getting even more momentum of its current sucessful path, Jean Claude, all the Best for your new challenge!
Best
Alex
Thank you dear Alexander
Your comments and compliments are giving me strength
Best