Bernd Stadlwieser, who has 20 years of experience in the watch, jewellery and art industries, is set to take over from interim CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard later this year.
Austrian-born Stadlwieser rose through the ranks as an executive at Swarovski before joining Thomas Sabo Group in 2003, becoming CEO in 2006. He has since served as CEO of Berlin-based art gallery and printing technology company Avenso, and Swiss watch manufacturer Mondaine Group.
Intriguingly, Mondaine sat out Baselworld last year.
Baselworld has come under fire in recent years after experiencing losses of CHF110 million in 2017, before shedding half its exhibitors in 2018 – including the loss of Hermès and Ulysse Nardin to the rival Suite de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva.
But the most damaging departure was that of Swatch Group; the loss of Swatch last July saw MCH’s previous long-time CEO, René Kamm – who had been at the helm since 2003 – hand in his resignation just three weeks later.
At the time, the company said in a statement: “The time has come for a change in the operational leadership of MCH Group in view of the fundamental transformation phase in business operations.”
In a statement, Stadlwieser said he was “looking forward” to taking on the role, adding: “The company is facing major challenges and opportunities. I have seen for myself that the necessary transformation and innovation process has already been launched and that, together with the employees, key steps have been taken to realign the business for the future, ensuring that the MCH Group will emerge stronger than before.”
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