WatchBox, an online platform for pre-owned luxury watches, has strengthened its senior management team as it targets European expansion with the appointment of three industry veterans.
The US-based company has confirmed the appointment of Patrik Hoffmann as its executive vice president of the company’s Swiss division, Herbert Gautschi as vice president of business operations, and Susanne Hurni as the division’s vice president of marketing.
The team, which will be based in Switzerland, will be responsible for the next phase of growth for WatchBox and reinforces the company’s commitment to elevating the pre-owned luxury watch category across the world.
Patrik Hoffmann, who served Ulysse Nardin in various leadership roles for nearly 20 years, most recently as CEO, was bought on board following a career in the watch industry that spans three decades.
During Mr Hoffmann’s tenure with Ulysse Nardin he oversaw global sales and marketing efforts and steered the acquisition by the Kering Group.
“The pre-owned timepiece segment has been long neglected and it is our vision to provide a professional service in pioneering change in the luxury watch industry,” said Hoffmann. “We are embracing technological tools, fulfilling the needs of today’s informed consumer and visionary retailers.”
Danny Govberg, co-founder and CEO of WatchBox, added: “Patrik brings considerable strength, knowledge and perspective of the watch industry to WatchBox.
“He worked alongside, collaborated with, and learned from one of the more creative watch entrepreneurs of our time, Rolf Schnyder; and he experienced the transition from a family business to a true global powerhouse. This experience is unmatched in our industry, enriching WatchBox’s mission to drive change in the pre-owned category.”
