The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
CEO of Baselworld’s Management Company Resigns
René Kamm has stepped down in the wake of Swatch Group’s withdrawal from the 2019 edition of the watch and jewelry trade show.
Basel, Switzerland—René Kamm, CEO of Baselworld organizer the MCH Group AG, has stepped down. His resignation comes less than a week after the loss of the watch and jewelry trade show’s biggest exhibitor, the Swatch Group.
Kamm will be replaced by MCH Group AG board Chairman Ulrich Vischer until the company can find a new permanent CEO. He had been with MCH Group for almost 20 years, starting in 1999 as Baselworld’s director.
In the release announcing Kamm’s resignation, MCH Group said the board and Kamm mutually decided that “the time has come for a change in the operational leadership of MCH Group” in light of what it described as a “fundamental transformation phase in business operations.”
His exit follows that of longtime Baselworld Managing Director Sylvie Ritter, who resigned in the spring.
News of Swatch Group’s exit from the watch and jewelry trade show broke Sunday in an interview CEO Nick Hayek did with Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung.
In a later interview with CNBC, Hayek said that traditional trade shows like Baselworld “no longer make much sense” and he blasted show management for being “a little bit arrogant,” unwilling to change with the times and non-communicative with key exhibitors, like Swatch Group, about any changes that are planned.
The loss of Swatch Group, which brings 17 of its 18 watch brands to the show, was a huge blow to Baselworld, which acknowledged in announcing Kamm’s resignation Friday that it will have a “yet inestimable” impact on its balance sheet in 2019 but rejected the idea that the show will not go on.
“Although it does not generally question the continuation of the Baselworld trade fair, the withdrawal of this important exhibitor has led to questions concerning the consequences for MCH Group's results,” the company said.
Also on Friday, MCH Group corrected what it says was an error in the release it issued Monday in reaction to news of Swatch Group’s withdrawal.
The release claimed that there was a meeting held July 4 with the show’s Comité Consultatif (committe of top brands) but is saying now that the meeting was actually with the extended Comité Mondial (a larger committee comprised of representatives from all sectors) but noted that the members of both committees are the same.
A Baselworld spokesman added that Swatch Group has a representative on both committees, and that the show stands by its
“The new ideas were presented and discussed in all exhibitor committees,” the spokesman said.
The Latest
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.