The Watch Industry Veteran Takes Over from Frédéric Arnault, Who Moves to Loro Piana
Jean-Christophe Babin, the long-serving chief executive officer of Bulgari, has been appointed as the new CEO of LVMH Watches, which includes the Hublot, Zenith, and Tag Heuer brands. This announcement was made by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the parent company of the Roman jeweler, where Babin will continue in his role as CEO.
Babin takes over the watch division from Frédéric Arnault, who has moved on to become the CEO of Loro Piana following a series of executive shifts earlier this month.
In his expanded role, Babin will report to LVMH group managing director Stéphane Bianchi. Additionally, the heads of the individual watch brands, including Hublot’s Julien Tornare, Tag Heuer’s Antoine Pin, and Zenith’s Benoit de Clerck, will report directly to Babin.
Stéphane Bianchi commented on the leadership transition, noting the significant achievements under Arnault’s guidance. “Under the leadership of Frédéric Arnault, the watches division has undertaken a significant transformation, including the implementation of operational synergies between the group’s watchmaking maisons, and substantial work on the positioning and challenges of each of them,” Bianchi stated.
He expressed gratitude towards Arnault and optimism about Babin’s appointment: “I thank Frédéric and am pleased to see this dynamic continue with the appointment of Jean-Christophe Babin, who will leverage his entrepreneurial spirit, energy, and exceptional leadership qualities to serve the sustainable and ambitious growth of the division.”
The LVMH watch division was established in January 2024. Babin’s responsibilities will include continuing the development and elevation strategies for the three brands now under his leadership.
Babin is no stranger to the watchmaking industry, having joined LVMH in 2000 as the CEO of Tag Heuer, where he served for 12 years before transitioning to Bulgari in early 2013. Under his leadership, Bulgari has not only upheld its reputation as a prestigious jeweler but also significantly expanded its watchmaking division, setting records for creating the thinnest watches with various complications.