The past 12 months have been busy to say the least for Aurum Holdings CEO Brian Duffy. Busy, and successful. Having gained a further two percent market share in the UK watch market, plans have also been set in motion for a much-anticipated re-launch of the iconic Mappin & Webb brand, which will no doubt serve to boost growth yet further.
Earlier this year, Aurum Holdings also completed its acquisition of The Watch Lab – a Preston-based watch repair business with a network of branches in shopping centres across the UK.
“We believe this to be a perfect addition to Aurum’s growing portfolio of retail brands – it’s a fantastic business and a market leader in this dynamic area,” Brian enthuses.
He has also overseen the expansion of Aurum’s Watches of Switzerland business, completing the company’s ‘Golden Triangle’ in London by opening a grand new showroom in Knightsbridge. If fact Brian chose the Knightsbridge site as the setting for his Hot 100 portrait, albeit a few weeks before it was ready for customers.
Somehow, the former Ralph Lauren EMEA president has also found time to spend with his three grandchildren, as well as starting a new hobby: “I recently bought a fancy new bike and have now fully joined the ‘Middle-aged Men in Lycra’ gang!” he grins.
Over the next few years, Brian hopes to maintain a modicum of leisure time, as well as applying his focus and planning, preparation and relationship-building skills to continued sustainable and high-quality business expansion.
“My key business objectives are to extend Aurum’s UK market leadership, while delivering a constant elevation of customer service,” he explains. “During my career I have learned the importance of great team members,” he continues, “and so I also plan on keeping them!”
