Montblanc has appointed Lynn Serfaty to replace Kevin Boltman as the managing director in the UK.
After nearly 30 years in the job, Kevin Boltman will step down from his role and allow Lynn Serfaty to take control of the UK market.
Ms Serfaty is the current international director category management, writing instruments.
Under her leadership the writing instrument category grew significantly, strongly driven by the development of the high artistry segment, major new lines and fine stationery.
2018 is a big year for Montblanc’s watch business. It is celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Minerva watchmaking business that Richemont acquired in 2006 and has been rolled into the Montblanc business and back story.
The key collections launched by Montblanc at SIHH this year were under the Montblanc 1858 name that refers to the founding year of Minerva.
A graduate of ESSEC Business School in Paris, Ms Serfaty worked internationally for the L’Oréal Group in a variety of senior marketing roles in Paris, China and the United States and held the general manager role in travel retail for the The Body Shop.
Ms Serfaty will take charge from August 1, with Mr Boltman retiring on August 31 after leading Montblanc in the UK for 29 years.
The UK market developed strongly under Mr Boltman’s tenure, growing the business from pure writing instruments to several new categories and helping to establish the Maison as a destination for lifetime companions.
Mr Boltman said: “After nearly 30 years, many fond memories and very talented people, I’m pleased to be handing over the reins of the UK business to Lynn Serfaty. I have seen the market change many times, seen the Maison grow and diversify and I know Lynn will bring creativity and fresh eyes to the local market. I wish her and the team all the best for the exciting times ahead.”
Looking at the UK specifically, Montblanc now has seven boutiques and over 220 wholesale doors through strong partnerships with the likes of Harrods, Selfridges and Mr. Porter as well as being the Maison’s leading market in e-commerce.
Ms Serfaty, who has worked for Montblanc since 2015, is confident about the future.
She said: “The solid foundations established by my predecessor, and the special affinities between the Maison and the U.K. market, shall gear the business towards a new expansion phase.”
