Zodiac’s brand director Mike Pearson has moved to Anglo-Swiss watch brand Christopher Ward to head its expansion in North America.
He had previously worked at Bremont, where his role included growing the British watchmaker’s business in America.
As a Brit living abroad in the United States, Mr Pearson has become a well-known face in the industry as he raised the profile among a network of retail partners for Zodiac.
He was also ever-present at events like WindUp Watch Fairs in America, where he promoted Fossil-owned Zodiac to consumers.
This is likely where Christopher Ward, an early supporter and regular exhibitor at WindUp, saw his passion, enthusiasm and relationships with watch lovers.
Mr Pearson joins Christopher Ward at a time when North America is booming for the direct to consumer watch brand.
In its latest published accounts, for the year ending March 31, 2023, the company reported sales of almost £17 million.
The UK accounted for turnover of £5.8 million while the United States was worth £5.6 million in the financial year, up from £3.9 million in FY2022.
“We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the CW team to help drive our American and Canadian growth,” says Mike France, CEO and Founder of Christopher Ward.
“Michael’s reputation precedes himself and his passion aligns perfectly with our strategic focus on North America as our next pivotal market.”
Mr Pearson adds: “I’m incredibly excited and proud to be joining Mike, Peter and the teams in Maidenhead and Biel this year. CW’s direct to customer business model as-well as the way they communicate and interact with the watch community is something I’ve always admired from afar — I cannot wait to get started.”
Boots on the ground in the United States does not signal a change in strategy away from Christopher Ward’s direct to consumer model, the company insists.
“There is no strategic shift or change to the core business. North America has been our largest and fastest growing market for a number of years (3-digit growth in past 12 months) and we are just looking to accelerate this,” the company replied in answer to questions from WatchPro.
“Mike’s main remit is to grow the brand in North America, via events, partnerships, networks and other channels that fit with the wider CW growth strategy,” it adds.
Great choice, Mike Pearson is a high quality person, Industry knowledgeable, broad experience, knows the geography, has a National synergy with his UK roots and is young enough to carry the Brand forward on its mission. Congratulations, Mike France and the entire team at Christopher Ward.d
Great choice, Mike Pearson is a high quality person, Industry knowledgeable, broad experience, knows the geography, has a National synergy with his UK roots and is young enough to carry the Brand forward on its mission. Congratulations, Mike France and the entire team at Christopher Ward.
Mike Pearson a great choice for the next stage of the Christopher Ward Brand development. Mike’s a good person, knows the Industry, the Geography, the Retail Marketplace and has the National synergy to represent the Brand going forward, with being of the age to be able to direct the path into the future, exposing the Christopher Ward name and Products to the North American consumer. Best wishes to Mike France and the entire Christopher Ward Team.
Mike
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