Time Products, home to Sekonda, Accurist and Seksy watch brands, has announced the retirement of its top two executives: managing director David Merriman and Trevor James, managing director of Sekonda.
They will continue to support the business as it transitions to a new all-female commercial leadership team headed by Alison Forrestal, who becomes chief executive officer, and Kara Groves, who is the new commercial director.
Both come from outside the traditional watch industry. Ms Forrestal has held senior roles at drinks giant Diageo, and Amazon, where she was UK head of books and media. Ms Groves comes from the fashion world, where she was chief operating officer for Joules and Mint Velvet.
Rounding out the leadership team will be marketing director Paul Clarke, who joins from Monster Energy and Cancer Research UK; and James Churchman, who becomes ecommerce director. He has previously worked at Sofa.com, Pottermore.com and Bathstore.com. Amanda Coombs, a former Alltrucks executive, takes over the crucial role of HR director.
Trevor Kirkpatrick continues as brand director for Limit, while Gus Webbe is still in place on product development.
Marcus Margulies, chairman of Time Products, reflects on the outstanding contribution of Mr Merriman and Mr James, while looking forward to the impact of his new leadership team.
“I thank David for his role in the exceptional development of the company and Trevor for his enthusiasm and unstinting belief in the power of the Sekonda and Seksy brands. We run a family business which values loyalty and tries to create an environment in which people can give of their best. I welcome Alison and her new team on board and know they are ready to drive our future strategy to reflect evolving consumer buying habits which are now moving at a much faster pace than anyone could have predicted. I wish the new team and our partners every success for peak trading in these difficult times and a change of fortune in 2021,” Mr Margulies says.
