Audemars Piguet Names Ilaria Resta as the Brand’s New CEO

Audemars Piguet has announced that Ilaria Resta will be joining the company as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in August 2023. Following a brief transition period, she will take on the full-fledged role of CEO on January 1, 2024. She will be replacing the current CEO, François-Henry Bennahmias. 

Bennahmias had earlier expressed his intention to part ways with the company after a very successful tenure spanning 30 years. One of his significant achievements at the company involved resurrecting the Royal Oak and establishing its status as an iconic timepiece. Bennahmias will also remain fully engaged until the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition. 

Lauding the contribution of Bennahmias to the brand’s success, Alessandro Bogliolo, Chairman, Audemars Piguet, said in a statement, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to thank François for his three decades of service. His transformational leadership has been essential in building the success story AP is today. We are grateful for his indelible contribution and his commitment to stay until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.” 

Looking Ahead

Ilaria Resta, a Swiss-Italian national, brings to the table over 26 years of international experience in leading major divisions of highly respected companies. Most recently, she served as the President, Global Perfumery and Ingredients, at Firmenich. Previously, Resta had worked for Procter & Gamble, building iconic global brands in its European and US headquarters over two decades.

Bogliolo stated that Resta’s leadership and vision align with AP’s values as an independent, family-owned company. “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Resta as our new Chief Executive Officer. A visionary leader with a passion for craftsmanship, Ilaria will take Audemars Piguet into the future as we continue to develop our brand, blend tradition with innovation, and strengthen our direct connection to clients,” he said. “Her proven record of delivering results through a clear strategic thinking based on deep consumer insights will keep AP’s legacy relevant for generations to come and ensure long-lasting growth. Ilaria’s belief in the empowerment of teams and her accomplishments as an inspirational leader in corporate sustainability fully align with Audemars Piguet’s long-standing values as an independent family-owned company.” 

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As more and more women step into leadership positions in the world of horology, we can only expect a brighter future, brimming with creative diversity and innovation.

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