More Than A Woman

Amelia Sillard, vice president of TAG Heuer Southeast Asia, talks feminism, reaching out to millenials, and what it takes to not crack under pressure. 

- Amy Yasmine

How is it like to lead one of the most influential watchmaking brands in a male-dominated industry?

In the beginning, it takes more time for you to gain credibility. I still have the impression that people won’t trust you right away, and they will test you for a bit longer just because you’re a woman. Then again, that is just my impression. I’m quite lucky to work for LVMH where there is an initiative called EllesVMH that encourages women managers to grow globally, continue their careers, and become members of the management team. We also have a target to have more women on the board of directors for all of our houses.

How has the landscape of luxury timepieces shifted within the ladies division?

Because watches are so technical, there are more products that are meant for men. But now, brands are giving a little more attention to us. Women are becoming important clients, so there’s more attention given at the level of product development, which I can see also at TAG Heuer. The women in the team give our feedback, and there are recruits for the development of women’s products.

Which of the two do you think TAG Heuer put its focus on: technicality or aesthetic?