Ms. Ginny Wright is joining Audemars Piguet North America, Inc. as CEO, effective January 18, 2021. Based in the company’s New York City office, Ms. Wright will oversee all of the business activities in North America as well as Latin America and report directly to Mr. Yves Meylan, Chief Commercial Officer, and Mr. Francois-Henry Bennahmias, Global Chief Executive Officer, both based at the company’s headquarters in Switzerland.
Ms. Wrigh will be replacing Mr. Patrick Ottomani who had been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Audemars Piguet North America back on April 8, 2019. After less than two years, the oldest fine watchmaking manufacturer still in the hands of its founding families will have a new CEO and following what seems to be a trend in the watchmaking industry, a woman taking the reigns of the company here in North America.
Mr. Ottomani’s sudden departure is surprising at the very least. Ottomani had joined AP after being the CEO for Berluti in the 90s and the U.S. Managing Director of Berluti USA, launching the brand in the United States in 2005 and remaining with the company until 2018.
On the other end, Ms. Wright brings her expertise in the luxury goods retail sector from an extensive career with L’Oréal USA, and most recently, she served as President of American cosmetics company Kiehl’s. Prior to this role, Ms. Wright worked as Global Deputy General Manager of Ralph Lauren Fragrances and in roles overseeing national accounts and retail marketing for Lancôme.
Ginny Wright, CEO Audemars Piguet N.A. Source: Getty Images
Ms. Wright is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. She began her career in media relations, working for clients including General Motors and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She received her BA in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her MBA in International Luxury Brand Management from ESSEC Business School in Paris.
“I am thrilled to assume this role and to join Audemars Piguet, a company that I have long admired. I have a deep appreciation for its independent spirit as well as its commitment to watchmaking excellence and innovation. Building upon a strong vision and proven growth strategy, the brand’s potential in the Americas is exceptional.”
Ginny Wright, CEO, Audemars Piguet North America
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