If you are a watch collector or watch lover, you will know the name François-Henry Bennahmias. The CEO and poster boy of Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet— and massive Yoda fan—joined the maison in 1994 following a brief spell in the worlds of fashion and sports.
In 2022, Bennahmias announced that he would retire in 2023, a year shy of his 60th birthday. Just before the Le Brassus watchmaker announced Ilaria Resta, a senior leader and president of a global perfumery based in Geneva to take over its reigns as the new CEO, Bennahmias spoke to Tatler about the need for women to run the world.
This is your last year serving as the CEO of Audemars Piguet. How does it feel to be leaving?
Sure, it’s the end, but it’s the end of a beautiful, 29-year love story. [When I announced in 2022 my plans to retire in 2023, I knew I would be concluding] my career on a high. I will be 59 in a few months, and there are so many more things I want to do with my life before I truly stop. I want to appreciate the time I have left, so I knew [my time at Audemars Piguet had to] end. Planning ahead of time makes things much easier. Despite this, while I was at an Audemars Piguet party in Taipei a few days ago, [my colleagues] got to me, and they got to me hard. I was overcome with emotion.
You’ve spent nearly three decades at Audemars Piguet. What has changed in horology over those years, and what do you think— and hope—will never change?
Esta historia es de la edición July 2023 de Tatler Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2023 de Tatler Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
BEST OF THE BAY
China's Greater Bay Area is dialling up the luxury, especially when it comes to five-star accommodation
A Future Interwoven
Emerging Spanish Chinese designer Yayi Chen Zhou reflects on the tapestry of her multicultural influences that define the eponymous label, weaving together identity, craftsmanship and the immigrant experience
Tastes of Southeast Asia
At the third edition of Off Menu Luxe, Tatler Singapore's signature culinary event held in partnership with UOB Private Bank, three of Asia's top chefs crafted an exclusive six-course menu that celebrated the diverse flavours of the region
Good Morning
With nearly 15 years in the coffee industry, Morning's co-founder Leon Foo knows more than a thing or two about crafting the perfect cup of Joe. And, it all started with a simple dream, a spark of curiosity, and, of course, a great cup of coffee
Rise Above
Angela Sim, co-founder and CEO of Cloversoft, shares how she is building a sustainable business, from lessons learnt from her grandfather to prioritising profit over rapid growth
A Fragrant Legacy
Diptyque turns back the clock and recaptures the heady days of 1960s Paris with its olfactory creation, Orphéon Eau de Parfum
The Female Force
For Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri takes inspiration from the legendary Amazons and the house's rich sportswear archives for a collection that embodies female strength and power
Jane Goodall-THE NATURE OF RESILIENCE
Jane Goodall has seen some dark days yet retains an unshakeable sense of hope. A month before she received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden, she sat down with Tatler to share how her education impacted her life mission and why she believes younger generations can still save the planet
Fashion in Reverse
Maison Q founder and creative director Suhana Ab shares insights from a decade of creating reversible childrenswear and forging collaborations with iconic brands
Serpentine Style
Continuing its tradition of commemorative Lunar New Year watches, Swatch has released a Year of the Snake collection
