BREAKING NEWS: Patrick Pruniaux is new CEO of Ulysse Nardin

Aug 17, 2017,09:12 AM
 

Patrick Pruniaux will be the new Ulysse Nardin CEO effective August 28, 2018.  Patrik Hoffmann will be stepping down for personal reasons to pursue other opportunities.

To read the complete press release, please visit our News Central forum here:

www.watchprosite.com

Cheers,
Anthony





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I had the same thought :) [nt]

 
 By: crown comfort : August 17th, 2017-09:29

Me too. [nt]

 
 By: Pretty Boy : August 17th, 2017-10:11

+1 LOL

 
 By: Alkiro1 : August 17th, 2017-09:34
New CEO but not a new Marketing Director 😉 Best wishes Alkiro

hehehe...great observation. 👀

 
 By: Joepny : August 17th, 2017-10:34
👀

Not a good sign :-) [nt]

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : August 17th, 2017-13:12

His wrist looks too small!

 
 By: sham1 : August 17th, 2017-10:22
So I doubt if any of the Ulysse Nardin watches will fit

Another change which is a bit sad in my view.

 
 By: Dave G : August 17th, 2017-11:20
I may be too nostalgic remembering the better days (IMO) for this Brand with Rolf, Pierre and Ludwig. Patrick H. seemed to be the last connection to the creative days of old. I bought many pieces in the past but little from UN us teased me for some years.... 

Ronald, can you cite any specific problems that have arisen since Kering Group bought UN?

 
 By: MichaelC : August 19th, 2017-12:54
I'm very curious to know what raises your concern. I would state I was "curious" when the brand was acquired by Kering, but I don't see any negative impact so far. When I met with UN representation a few months ago in Bermuda, I was told that the brand co... 

Nothing specific. As long as Patrik Hoffman was there, I had confidence that UN would maintain...

 
 By: Ronald Held : August 19th, 2017-13:17
It's current course. With an external CEO, I think Kering is trying to Xterra new course, potentially an unfavorable one

Thanks for your reply. Honestly, I'm not sure sure a new voice and direction are bad things.

 
 By: MichaelC : August 19th, 2017-17:52
Aside from the new 5 year factory warranty, and the Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon, I'm not sure what else really deserves praise from this brand over recent years. I guess a steel tourbillon at a very accessible price is note worthy. All these things happe... 

I am a bit (just a bit) worried

 
 By: wover : August 19th, 2017-23:08
mainly because of this statement: “I am delighted to see a talented individual such as Patrick Pruniaux join Ulysse Nardin, which once again illustrates the attractiveness of the Kering Group." "attractiveness of the Kering Group" Huh? As a career vehicle... 

My suspicion ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : September 4th, 2017-05:01
... is that Kering acquired UN at a very high price, maybe even too high, compared with what is rumoured to have been paid for Breitling. UN's strength was slow, yet permanent growth. It was clear that, eventually, UN could not continue outside a strong e... 

Well, Kering has owned UN for 3+ years so far. I see no drop off in quality whatsoever.

 
 By: MichaelC : September 4th, 2017-16:09
We have lots of members here with recent acquisitions - M4, EdT, Mitch, Abel, etc. They post no concerns about quality. Maybe growth will be accelerated moving forward. I own my own business, I am sorry guys, I do not fault a brand for wanting to grow and... 

I suppose only time will tell. (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : September 5th, 2017-13:16
NT

I have been quiet on the topic though I do have strong opinions. The fact that I have recently acquired 2 UNs and am considering a third piece is reflective of the prior administration's effort.

 
 By: Mitch K : September 10th, 2017-09:00
The watch industry is rare to make rapid changes. Watches can take years of development and the tenor of the company may not truly be manifested only after a year or two. I am sure there are still some interesting pieces in the pipeline as a legacy to Pat... 

+1. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : September 10th, 2017-09:05

Spot on Mitch. All I am saying to the naysayers is in this thread is so far there are no issues.

 
 By: MichaelC : September 11th, 2017-06:22
We do not need to spread doom and gloom about the changes, especially from guys who don't even own the brand. Change is inevitable. And likely more growth with the new ownership, but we should not assume a drop in quality from Ulysse Nardin is coming just... 

Kering's input certainly permitted the series production ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : September 11th, 2017-03:30
... of several own base movements, which is essential to put butter onto the bread. The spectacular new pieces, like the deck tourbillon, are conversation starters and marketing pillars, but hardly enough to keep such a company operative. I, too, can by n... 

Certainly a more aggressive sales and marketing campaign is developing.

 
 By: MichaelC : September 11th, 2017-06:27
I do not believe Ulysse Nardin would become a primary sponsor of a boat in the America's Cup without the Kering Group financial backing. And now we start to see more UN partnerships and ambassadors, just like with other brands. I love this brand and hope ... 

The issue has not been any change in quality. In fact there have been releases of pieces of very good quality at a reasonable price point. It would seem to be a bad business move to downgrade quality. My greater concern will be the DNA of UN with regards

 
 By: Mitch K : September 11th, 2017-06:59
to the pushing of the envelope with the development of industry leading products as they have done over the years. That was Rolf's dream and his execution. Only time will tell if UN will be part of the pack or will they still lead the pack in development.... 

A more conservative higher volume strategy may be in the near term. No more..

 
 By: Ronald Held : September 11th, 2017-13:15
Freaks or Trilogies, perhaps.

Bad sign

 
 By: JBB : August 30th, 2017-22:36
I used to read this forum some 15 years ago and just reacquainted myself with it. I met Mr. Schynder in Silicon Valley where I live some years ago. While a bit quirky, it was clear he was a strong leader and had an unmistakable drive and vision. I also ha...