Timepiece Tuesday: Swatch Group Names New Presidents for Rado and Hamilton Watch Brands

Matthias Breschan

 By William George Shuster

Matthias Breschan, formerly president of Hamilton watches worldwide, has been named the new president of Rado watches worldwide by the Swatch Group. Breschan originally joined the Swatch Group, which owns both Rado and Hamilton, in 1996 and had been president of Hamilton since 2003.

He succeeds Roland Streule, the long-time president of Rado SA. Steuele joined Rado in 1978 as a regional manager. He became president of Rado in 1989, overseeing its growth and worldwide success.

A spokesperson for the Swiss-based Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaker, noted that Streule had previously stated he would retire from running the operations of Rado when he turned 65. Streule continues to be a member of the Swatch Group executive management board, overseeing a number of special projects for it.

Sylvain Dolla

Meanwhile, Sylvain Dolla, former head of sales of Hamilton SA for five years, is the new President of Hamilton, succeeding Breschan. Dolla joined Swatch Group in 2003.

The appointments were effective Jan. 1.

William George Shuster is a multi-award winning writer—including three Jesse H. Neal Award, business journalism's highest honor. He has 40 years experience as a journalist, author and editor. He is considered one of the world’s top watch industry journalists, covering the world of timepieces for JCK magazine and its sister publications for nearly 29 years.