The group behind JeanRichard and Girard-Perregaux has appointed the former boss of Corum as its new chief executive officer.
Antonio Calce takes over immediately as chief executive officer of Sowind Group. The position had been vacant since October last year when previous boss Michele Sofisti was appointed chief executive officer of Gucci Watches and Jewellery by parent company of both, Kering, as part of a restructuring of the luxury group. Sofisti subsequently left the Gucci role in December, after just two months in charge.
Calce will report directly to Albert Bensoussan, chief executive officer of Kering’s Luxury – Watches & Jewelry division and will supervise the management and manufacturing activities of both Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard.
Calce began his career at Richemont in 1994 as head of Piaget’s technical department before taking over product management for the brand. In 2001 he was appointed director of operations and product development at Panerai before moving to Corum in 2005 as vice president of operations and, subsequently, chief executive officer. He holds degrees in microtechnology and management studies.
Albert Bensoussan, CEO of Kering’s ‘Luxury – Watches & Jewellery’ division, declared: “I am delighted to welcome Antonio at Sowind and within the Kering group today. His extensive experience in the Haute Horlogerie and in the luxury watches sector and his deep knowledge of its industrial and commercial stakes, will allow him to fully support the brands’ growth on international markets”.
Kering’s portfolio of luxury brands includes Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Pomellato, Qeelin, Ulysse Nardin, Puma, Volcom, Cobra, Electric and Tretorn.
