Frédéric started his career at consulting firm McKinsey, before moving on to Facebook’s Artificial Intelligence Research department. He joined TAG Heuer in 2017 as manager of its smartwatch activities, was promoted to chief strategy and digital officer in 2018 and then to CEO in 2020. Under his direction, the brand redesigned legends like the Carrera and Aquaracer, and introduced lab-grown diamonds into the product line.

Before becoming CEO of Zenith, Julien Tornare spent 17 years at Vacheron Constantin, first as director for the Swiss market, then U.S. brand president, followed by international sales director and managing director for Asia-Pacific. His replacement at Zenith, Benoit de Clerck, was most recently chief commercial officer at Panerai.

Frédéric Arnault will report to Stephane Bianchi, CEO of LVMH watches & jewelry division, which also includes Bulgari. Three of Arnault’s five children have roles in the LVMH empire. Alexandre Arnault, 31, is executive vice president of product and communications at Tiffany & Co. Jean Arnault, 25, is the director of watches at Louis Vuitton. Daughter Delphine, 48, is CEO of fashion label Dior. Antoine, 46, was until recently CEO at leather goods brand Berluti, and now heads family holding company Christian Dior SE.

“Frédéric has done a tremendous job at TAG Heuer over the past six years,” says Bianchi. “His unique and disruptive vision for the watchmaking industry led to a spectacular transformation for TAG Heuer, which recovered its credentials in record time as the luxury watch brand driven by high performance. I am eager to see what his unique insights and vision will bring to fuel additional and sustainable growth for them.”