Jean-Marc Pontroué leaves Panerai

Jean-Marc Pontroué leaves Panerai

Founded in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai and part of the Richemont Group since 1997, Jean-Marc Pontroué has led and shaped the brand as CEO since 2018.

"Today's consumers are looking for more than just a luxury item: they want an experience, a keepsake they can cherish, and a piece of a larger identity," is the conviction of the Frenchman, who began his career in the luxury industry at Givenchy. In 2000, he moved to Montblanc and in 2011 to become CEO of Roger Dubuis.

And now he leaves Panerei and adopted with an emotional statement on his social media channels.

There's no official announcement from the brand yet. But according to various industry sources, Emmanuel Perrin (left) is set to be his successor. He most recently headed Richemont's watch division.

It is questionable whether he will remain as CEO of Panerai permanently.

It's possible that Perrin will only take over on an interim basis, as he did in 2023 after Nicola Andreatta unexpectedly resigned as CEO of the Richemont brand Roger Dubuis. David Chaumet then took over the position last summer, after five years as CEO of the Richemont brand Baume & Mercier. Prior to that, he had held various positions at Roger Dubuis for eleven years.

Jean-Marc Pontroué, however, will not remain with the group.

"I have been a blessed and privileged person and have sincerely enjoyed every single day of my career at Panerai. However, after 25 years at Richemont, my life with the Group is coming to an end... It is a bittersweet moment as I bid farewell to 841 dedicated Panerai members, supportive retail partners, cooperative suppliers, loyal customers, inspiring Paneristis, and enthusiastic media communities from Switzerland, Italy, and all the countries where we operate."

It sounds as if he will even turn his back on the entire watch industry.