What does new Audemars Piguet CEO Ilaria Resta bring to the brand? The perfume boss replaces François-Henry Bennahmias, the man who brought Jay-Z and Shaquille O’Neal to the storied Swiss watchmaker

May 24 , 2023

Ilaria Resta has been appointed the next CEO of Audemars Piguet and will take over in 2024 from François-Henry Bennahmias, the man who brought rappers like Jay-Z and basketball stars like Shaquille O’Neal to the brand. Photo: Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet

In his 30-year tenure, Bennahmias made the Royal Oak a global icon, launched the high complication Code 11.59 collection and introduced AP Houses

Swiss/Italian national Resta is global perfumery and ingredients president at Geneva-based cosmetics brand Firmenich and formerly spent 22 years with Procter & Gamble

Swiss independent watchmaker Audemars Piguet announced on Monday that Ilaria Resta will succeed François-Henry Bennahmias as CEO of the brand in 2024. The appointment heralds a new chapter for Swiss/Italian national Resta, who currently serves as global perfumery and ingredients president at Geneva-based cosmetics brand Firmenich – and marks an end to a storied 30-year tenure for Bennahmias.

Francois-Henry Bennahmias, outgoing CEO of Audemars Piguet. Photo: Audemars Piguet

“We are delighted to welcome Ms Resta as our new chief executive officer,” said Audemars Piguet chairman Alessandro Bogliolo in an official statement. “ A visionary leader with a passion for craftsmanship, [Ms Resta] will take Audemars Piguet into the future as we continue to develop our brand, blend tradition with innovation and strengthen our direct connection to clients.”

Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias is quizzed on the brand

Resta joins with the brand in good health. During Bennahmias’ time at the maison – and particularly after he rose to the CEO position in 2012 – the brand extended its reach beyond the dedicated high horology community, to enthusiasts of high fashion, pop culture and streetwear. His other achievements include the meteoric rise of the Royal Oak from classic watch to global icon, and the launch of the high complication Code 11.59 collection.

Jay-Z with a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch in 2005. Photo: Audemars Piguet

Bennahmias was the first CEO from a luxury brand to court rappers like Jay-Z and basketball players such as Shaquille O’Neal. Boutiques became “AP Houses” where enthusiasts could get acquainted with new pieces while enjoying a meal or a drink. Most recently, in April this year, Bennahmias introduced the AP Coverage Service which offers insurance to friends of the brand in case their prized Audemars Piguet pieces are unfortunately stolen.

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Starwheel. Photo: Audemars Piguet

Resta promises to bring a fresh take to the storied high horology maison. Prior to her appointment at Firmenich in 2020, she spent 22 years with Procter & Gamble. “Her proven record of delivering results through clear strategic thinking based on deep consumer insights will keep AP’s legacy relevant for generations to come and ensure long lasting growth,” added Bogliolo. “[Resta’s] belief in the empowerment of teams and her accomplishments as an inspirational leader in corporate sustainability fully align with Audemars Piguet’s long-standing values as an independent family-owned company.”

Ilaria Resta is currently global perfumery and ingredients president at Geneva-based Firmenich but will take over at Audemars Piguet in 2024. Photo: Handout.

While we wait for Resta to take the helm in 2024, watch enthusiasts are keen to celebrate Bennahmias’ long tenure at the brand. “We would like to thank François for his three decades of service,” added Bogliolo. “His transformational leadership has been essential in building the success story AP is today. We are grateful for his indelible contribution and his commitment to stay until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.”

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