Bulova has shaken up its UK and European management with four new appointments.
Former UK managing director Steve Ramsay has been appointed to the newly appointed role of managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) while former sales director Duncan Harris takes the reins in the UK as general manager.
Richard Kebbell takes on the responsibilities of European finance director for the watch brand and Liam McAllister, recently included in WatchPro’s 2015 Hot 100 list of prominent industry figures, becomes marketing director EMEA.
Bulova president Gregory Thumm commented on the restructuring, saying: “Nimble, dynamic organizations evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing changing global marketplace.
“With this new structure, Bulova will be able to streamline operations, strengthen our competitiveness and reinvigorate brand presence and relevance in key global regions that have tremendous growth potential.”
Ramsay, a WatchPro Hot 100 inductee in 2013, has been with Bulova since 2011 but his career spans roles as UK managing director of Corum watches, UK general manager of Alfred Dunhill and managing director of Gucci timepieces.
New UK GM Duncan Harris has served as sales director at Bulova UK for three years and has previously held several senior brand management roles over the course of his 20 year career within the luxury and fashion watch market.
Ramsay said of Harris: “His fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) background at Rothmans and Halewood Vintners complement his knowledge and insight into the UK watch market and Duncan’s experience, gives him an exceptional understanding of brand development and the strategic management of a profitable UK business. He will drive sales and continue to grow this business.’’
Meanwhile Kebbell has 15 years’ experience within the watch industry having previously worked in both shipping and the music industry. He has been tasked with uniting the finance functions of Bulova throughout Europe and beyond.
McAllister began his career in marketing working for Swatch Group’s Calvin Klein watches and jewellery working his way up the ladder before joining Bulova UK as marketing manager in 2010. He was promoted to manage marketing in the EMEA region in 2013.
