Zeon UK is expanding its business internationally by opening a wholly-owned subsidiary in the USA.
The new company will be based in New York and will represent Zeon’s owned brand Ingersoll as well as all its licensed brands, including Braun, Barbour and Vivienne Westwood watches.
The new company will be led by Charles Kriete, who has been appointed president. Mr Kriete boasts more than 30 years’ experience in the watch and accessories industry.
He has been part of many success stories within the watch industry during a career that has seen him serve as president of Geneva Watch Company from 1996 to 2010 and lead the launch and growth of the Kenneth Cole watch brand. Most recently he was executive vice president of sales for Bulova.
Mr Kriete said: “The United States represents a huge and unique opportunity for Zeon to significantly expand its global watch business. I am very excited to lead this expansion and to join an exceptional company with exceptional people.”
Additionally, the company has appointed Wilson Troche as vice president. He has a proven track record in sales and brand management, having held various senior positions at both Geneva Watch Group and Bulova in the US.
Simon Gilham, managing director of Zeon UK, comments: “The creation of this new company and recruitment of these two exceptional executives, are a mark of our intent to grow and manage a truly global business. We’re all extremely excited about the opportunity of working together and really achieving something unique within the US market, bringing a new fresh approach and fantastic brands to the American consumer.”
