How long have you been in the region? What do you like most here?
I have been in the Region for 10 years. What I appreciate the most is the culture and the people, their generosity and open hearts.
What do you believe is missing in the Middle East for the watch industry?
I think the watch industry will remain strongly attached to Switzerland. However, there has been an increasing interest for watches in the Middle East. For example the first edition of the Salon International des Grandes Complications dedicated to Haute Horlogerie was recently held in Dubai were the Duometre UTT won a distinction as best travel time watch. As far as what is missing in the Middle East for the watch industry, there is room for university courses dedicated to watch industry.
What is your vision and plans for JLC in the Middle East?
The Middle East region is important for Jaeger-LeCoultre, and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to develop our activity. We will keep on enhancing our point of sale network, by opening new boutiques but also by enhancing our current network. We will also continue building ties with our locally based customers through local events such as Abu Dhabi Film Festival or British Polo Day in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Are you a watch collector?
Being of French origin, I have a strong appreciation for luxury and high-end watch making. I am building my own watch collection gradually; it started when I turned 18 years old and my father offered me a Reverso as a rite of passage into the adult world. Since then on every important occasion, I try to treat myself with a special time piece.
How would you describe yourself?
I consider myself to be a family man with deep-rooted French values and a twist of Middle Eastern influence.
What motivates you?
I enjoy meeting people especially from different backgrounds and cultures than mine, which is surely why I enjoy so much Dubai, being a melting-pot of diversity. The great thing is that my job enables me to do so as I can start the week in Dubai, then go to Saudi Arabia, to finally end the week in India.
How do you handle success?
Every success deserves a celebration but then it is back to work, as with every succes comes a new challenge.