// Watches of Switzerland appoints Ian Carter as non-executive chairman
// Carter has worked for the last 15 years with Hilton Worldwide
// Senior independent director Tea Colaianni has taken over as interim chair until Carter joins on November 1
Watches of Switzerland has appointed a new non-executive chairman to bring “a wealth of commercial, business and board experience” to the business.
The group, which includes the Mappin & Webb, Goldsmiths, Mayors and Watches of Switzerland retail brands, has hired Ian Carter to join office on November 1.
Carter has worked for the last 15 years with Hilton Worldwide and has non-executive experience after serving on a number of boards in the UK and the US, including luxury retailer Burberry.
READ MORE: Watches of Switzerland Q2 sales surge 20%
Meanwhile, senior independent director Tea Colaianni has taken over as interim chair until Carter joins the board.
“Following a thorough global search process, the board is delighted to welcome Ian to Watches of Switzerland Group as non-executive chairman,” Colaianni said.
“Ian’s wealth of commercial, business and board experience and knowledge of the consumer, retail and luxury sectors in particular in the US and the UK will be a valuable asset for the group as it enters the next phase of strategic growth.”
Earlier this month, Watches of Switzerland recorded bumper trading throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with a strong second quarter update prompting it to raise its full year sales forecast.
The first 10 weeks of the current quarter, which ends on October 25, the retailer has so far generated revenue of £202.7 million – a 20.2 per cent year-on-year increase in constant currency or 18.3 per cent on a reported basis.
Its UK market has been be driven by strong domestic sales, making up for lost revenue from tourists due to travel restrictions amid the pandemic.
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