Chai Schnyder has been named president of the board of directors and Patrik P. Hoffmann was appointed CEO of the luxury watch brand Ulysse Nardin. They replace Rolf W. Schnyder, who died unexpectedly on April 14. He held both positions.Chai Schnyder is the widow of Rolf Schnyder (both pictured left). She holds a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Queen's University Belfast, U.K.
Hoffmann (pictured with television host Jay Leno), spent the main part of his professional career in the watch sector, and has been a leading member of the staff at Ulysse Nardin. He joined the company in 1999. As director of the U.S. corporate offices in Boca Raton, Fla., Hoffmann played a significant role in the success of Ulysse Nardin in North and Central America. The actions were taken during a special meeting of the shareholders, board of directors and management of the watch brand, based in Le Locle, Switzerland.
“Thanks to the innovative energy of the company, and in harmony with the intentions of the visionary Rolf W. Schnyder and his tireless pioneering spirit, we stand by the strategy of independence,” Hoffmann said in a statement.
Schnyder acquired the family firm of Ulysse Nardin in 1983 and since that time held the role of president and CEO. Under his leadership, Ulysse Nardin became a prominent brand in the mechanical watchmaking sector, with innovations such as the first astronomical wrist watches.