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?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream
