Breitling, Universal Genève, and Gallet – House of Brands brings former Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué onto its management team

As part of the establishment of House of Brands—which includes Breitling as well as the acquired brands Universal Genève and Gallet—the new management team has now been announced; it will take office in May.

Jean-Marc Pontroué, who served as CEO of Panerai from 2018 until spring 2025, among other roles, will take over as CEO of House of Brands.

“With his long career in the luxury watch industry at Montblanc, as well as his tenure as CEO of Roger Dubuis (since 2011) and Panerai (since 2018), he brings extensive experience in retail, wholesale, and marketing,” said Georges Kern, CEO of House of Breitling as well as Breitling and Universal Genève, commenting on the appointment of Jean-Marc Pontroué (left).

Grégory Bruttin will continue to oversee the development of the recently relaunched Universal Genève brand and has been promoted from Managing Director to CEO.

Until now, Gallet had not yet appointed an official management team. Erwan Rossignol has now been named CEO. He and his team are tasked with preparing for Gallet’s relaunch at the end of August 2026.

Meanwhile, Antoine Loron is taking on the role of President of Breitling USA and Canada and joining Breitling’s Executive Board and Product Committee. His appointment follows his work in sales at Breitling. “He will build on the solid foundation laid by the current President for the USA and Canada, Thierry Prissert,” explains Georges Kern.

Thierry Prissert will continue to support Breitling’s brand development as well as the launch of Universal Genève and Gallet in the U.S. market, and will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors at House of Brands USA.

Renato Meier, currently Marketing Director for Breitling USA and Canada, will succeed Antoine Loron as Managing Director of Breitling LATAM.