 |
| Philippe Merk attends Royal Oak 40 Years: From Avant-Garde to Icon at Park Avenue Armory on March 21 in New York City. Photo credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images North America |
Swiss luxury watch brand, Audemars Piguet, put out a brief statement Thursday saying that its CEO, Philippe Merk, is no longer with the company. The board of directors named François-Henry Bennahmias as interim general manager. The company did not say whether it would seek a permanent replacement.
“Due to differences in company strategy, the board of directors and Mr. Philippe Merk, Chief Executive Officer, have decided to terminate their collaboration,” the company said in its statement. “The board appreciates the work accomplished these past years and wishes Mr. Merk continued success in his future endeavors.”
Bennahmias, 48, began his career at Audemars Piguet in 1996 and since 1997 he was assistant marketing and sales manager for Asia-Pacific and Europe.
In 1999 he was promoted to president and CEO of Audemars Piguet (North America Inc.) in New York.