Adele is one of those people in the industry who has done it all; from finance to HR, sales, to horology, she’s worked in every corner of the watch industry.
Her expansive knowledge has led her to the role of president and chief executive of DKSH Brand Distribution, where she thrives upon the challenges of developing and expanding brand names such as Junghans and Maurice Lacroix.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Adele has some advice: “Stay the course and do not shy away from your inherent power.”
Never has that been more relevant than over the past few years during the pandemic.
“Covid changed everything, so the challenge has been to [stand firm], trust the product and not let any of our core values fall to the wayside in an uncertain market,” she says.
Her tactics have worked, with 2022 set to be a record year for the company, and expects this trend will “continue in 2023 and beyond”.
Looking even further ahead, Adele sees an exciting and inclusive future on the watch industry’s horizon.
“I think the industry is in good shape as long as it continues to look to the future and make appropriate changes to stay relevant,” she says.
“The current trend in watches comprised of renewable composites is a good thing and should continue.”
But, she warns that the industry cannot get complacent with its progress: “We must continue to answer the hard questions and push boundaries in order to move the industry forward. The world of watches should reflect the diverse tapestry of the world we live in at all levels.”
Adele knows the importance of balancing work and play, spending her free time at improv classes (or “adult daycare” as she calls it) and rollerskating, “I keep it old school with quads only,” she smiles.
