Jean-Christophe Babin is appointed as the new CEO of LVMH Watches
With effect from April 1, 2025
In a strategic move to accelerate the growth of LVMH’s prestigious watchmaking division, Stéphane Bianchi, Managing Director of LVMH Group, has announced the appointment of Jean-Christophe Babin as CEO of LVMH Watches, effective April 1, 2025.
Babin will take over from Frédéric Arnault, the current CEO of Loro Piana, marking a significant transition in the leadership of one of the world’s most renowned luxury conglomerates.
Babin, who will continue in his current role as CEO of Bvlgari, will report directly to Bianchi. His new responsibilities will see him oversee LVMH’s watchmaking maisons—Hublot, Tag Heuer, and Zenith—and maintain the ambitious vision set forth by Arnault. Having built a strong legacy within the industry, Babin’s appointment is poised to elevate LVMH Watches further and strengthen its presence in the global luxury market.
Bianchi expressed confidence in Babin’s ability to steer the Watches Division to even greater heights, commenting, “Under the leadership of Frédéric Arnault, the watches division has undertaken a significant transformation, including the implementation of operational synergies between the group’s watchmaking maisons and substantial work on each of them’s positioning and challenges.
“I thank Frédéric and am pleased to see this dynamic continue with the appointment of Jean-Christophe, who will leverage his entrepreneurial spirit, energy, and exceptional leadership qualities to serve the division’s sustainable and ambitious growth.”
Babin’s journey with LVMH dates back to 2000, when he first joined the Group as CEO of Tag Heuer. Over the course of 12 years, Babin guided the Swiss watch brand through a period of remarkable development, securing its position as a leader in the luxury watch industry. His leadership style, characterised by a blend of innovation and respect for heritage, transformed Tag Heuer into a powerhouse of creativity and excellence.
In 2013, Babin took the helm of Bvlgari, a renowned Italian luxury and artisanry brand. During his tenure, he implemented a bold transformation plan that modernised the Roman House of High Jewellery, allowing Bvlgari to cement its position as a global leader in the high jewellery and watchmaking sectors. Babin’s successes at Bvlgari were instrumental in the broader strategy of LVMH, helping to elevate the Group’s entire portfolio of luxury brands.
Babin’s appointment reflects his past successes and recognizes his ability to drive innovation and maintain the strong heritage of each Maison under his stewardship. In this new role, the leaders of the watchmaking houses within LVMH will continue to report to Babin, including Julien Tornare of Hublot, Antoine Pin of Tag Heuer, and Benoit de Clerck of Zenith. These executives will be crucial in furthering the division’s development under Babin’s leadership.
Babin, a graduate of HEC Paris, began his career in the early 1980s, when he held sales and marketing positions at Procter & Gamble in France and Benckiser and Henkel in Italy. These roles laid the foundation for his future success in the luxury sector, where he has become a renowned leader and visionary.
Image: Jean-Christophe Babin will oversee LVMH’s watchmaking maisons—Hublot, Tag Heuer, and Zenith. Credit: David Atlan
