Laurent Perves Steps Up at Vacheron Constantin, While Jérôme Lambert Returns to Jaeger-LeCoultre
Richemont has announced new executive leadership roles within its watch and jewelry brands. In an ongoing succession planning process led by company founder Johann Rupert, Laurent Perves has been named CEO of Vacheron Constantin, and Jérôme Lambert will step back into the role of CEO at Jaeger-LeCoultre, with both executives assuming their roles on January 1.
Perves, currently serving as chief commercial officer at Vacheron Constantin, is succeeding Louis Ferla, who recently took up the role of CEO of Cartier as part of an earlier reshuffling. Lambert, on the other hand, will transition from his current role as Richemont’s chief operating officer to step back into the helm at Jaeger-LeCoultre. He replaces Catherine Rénier, recently named CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels.
These executive moves are the latest in a year of shifts at the top of the company, including the appointment of Nicolas Bos, former head of Van Cleef, as CEO of Richemont in May.
With dual French and Swiss nationality, Perves has been part of the Vacheron Constantin team for the past eight years. He joined in December 2016 as chief marketing officer before becoming chief commercial officer in 2021. He has contributed significantly to the brand’s leader position in high watchmaking and its commercial success. Before Richemont, Perves held a range of roles at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Procter & Gamble, and led brand communications at Audemars Piguet. He holds multiple masters degrees in economics, marketing, processes engineering, project management, and strategy and organization.
Also a French and Swiss national, Lambert is reprising a familiar role as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, a position he previously held for over ten years. Lambert brings to the table a breadth of experience from previous roles in the company: CFO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, CEO of Montblanc, chairman of A. Lange & Söhne, and group CEO of Richemont.
The new roles come at a turbulent time for the luxury and watch industry. With first-half results down 17 percent, Richemont’s watchmakers have been hit by a slowdown in demand primarily emanating from China. In response, the company stressed the necessity for “discipline and caution regarding overproduction” and the significance of “adapting to changing market conditions” to maintain the “desirability” of their watch brands.