Benoit de Clerck

President & Ceo Zenith Watches, Branch of Lvmh

ZENITH Watches · Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Present

Chief Commercial Officer (Cco)

Officine Panerai · Geneva, Switzerland

International Sales Director

Officine Panerai · Geneva Area, Switzerland

After successfully completing my mission in Asia, I was promoted to a top management role at Panerai, based at the company headquarters. As International Sales Director, I steer the brand sales strategy and retail development of a Richemont brand, Officine Panerai. I lead sales, retail, marketing, distribution, customer relationship management, e-commerce, and structural optimization, while overseeing brand managers of worldwide subsidiaries and their teams, totaling 250 personnel. I also serve as Brand & Management Board Member and Brand Executive Committee Member, partnering with cross-disciplinary leadership to promote best practices, thought-sharing, and agile methodologies. Driven to strengthen competitiveness within the market, I’ve implemented new technology in areas, including CRM and industry-leading e-commerce & product development tools. By leveraging my expertise in luxury markets and 20 years of international experience with Richemont, I’m able to anticipate retailer & cli…

Managing Director, Iwc Nea (North East Asia:China, Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Taiwan, Philippines,...)

IWC Schaffhausen · Hong Kong

In 2011, the focus shifted to Asia, where I was relocated and promoted to Managing Director for IWC and Baume et Mercier North East Asia, covering China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Macau, Philippines, DFS, and duty-free. With full P&L accountability, I managed sales & marketing teams and the internal operating budget. I concurrently fulfilled a regional supervisory role for the Roger Dubuis brand. During my tenure, I increased profits and improved brand notoriety by transforming IWC presence from a multi-brand environment into a mono brand boutique. I also managed numerous real estate negotiations and distribution disruptions to expand the retail network and modernize market strategy. Noteworthy achievements include: • Expanded retail network of IWC to 25 internal boutiques and 70 external boutiques by identifying and negotiating real estate contracts and standardizing modern retail strategy. • Streamlined and adapted wholesale network to capitalize on markets trends and demand. • Incre…

President, Iwc North America

IWC Schaffhausen · Greater New York City Area

With the success of the launch of Richemont brands in the Middle East, I was appointed by IWC (International Watch Company) as President of North America, the key emerging market for luxury at the time. As President, I oversaw P&L, retail, sales, marketing, and brand development, multiplying the annual sales five-fold over seven years. I initiated innovative strategies for new pricing/margins, quality control, and a reengineering of our supply chain and distribution by region. Noteworthy achievements include: • Increased profitability by 29% YoY for four years, while managing the opening of two exclusive IWC boutiques in Las Vegas, NV and Beverly Hills, CA. • Led the relaunch and development of the full sales and marketing strategy for the recently acquired Roger Dubuis brand

Managing Director, Haute Horlogerie Middle East

Richemont · United Arab Emirates, Dubai

I set-up the subsidiary for Richemont in the Middle East, leading the launch and market implementation of the watch brands in the Haute Horlogerie division: Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, Panerai, and Jeager Lecoultre. Additionally, I oversaw local brand sales strategy and development for Chloe and Dunhill, which are not part of the watch division. I led a 21-person team, including one brand director, six brand managers, and 14 sales representatives. In partnership with the Managing Director of Cartier, we shared the responsibility and oversight of the support functions for this regional office, including operations, finance, human resources, and IT. Noteworthy achievements include: • Spearheaded analysis and development of distribution networks in 16 countries and increased sales by 320% over three years.

Director, Watch Division, South and Central America

Richemont · Geneva, Switzerland

Beginning my career at Richemont, I launched our Haute Horlogerie regional subsidiary/representative office in Miami, FL for the South American market. As Director, I led the watch division with strategic oversight of brand development throughout the key markets, increasing revenue and brand recognition.

Regional Managing Director, Tag Heuer Middle East

LVMH · United Arab Emirates, Dubai

I was hired at LVMH Group to set up their watches regional office in Dubai, covering the entire Middle East region. There, I managed and directed sales and marketing strategies across 18 countries, implementing budgeting and optimizing profitability, which resulted in more than a 30% increase in sales.

General Manager, Gulf Domestic & Middle East

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sales Manager, Middle East: Special Markets

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) · Limassol (Lemesos), Cyprus

Field Manager, Uae and Sultanate of Oman

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Senior Sales Supervisor, Uae & Sultanate of Oman

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) · Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Muscat, Oman