Watches of Switzerland appoints Ian Carter as chairman

Watches of Switzerland Group has announced the appointment of Ian Carter as non-executive Chairman of the Board, effective from 1 November 2020.

Last month Dennis Millard announced he was standing down as Chairman with Tea Colaianni, Senior Independent Director at the group, taking over in the interim.

Carter had spent the last 15 years at hotel group Hilton Worldwide, having joined Hilton International as chief executive in London in 2005.

In addition, Carter has significant non-executive experience having served on a number of boards in the UK, including Burberry Group (2007-2019), where he developed a “deep knowledge and appreciation of the global luxury industry”.

Ian Carter said: “I could not be more excited about joining the team at this time. After a very successful IPO the opportunities for further growth are outstanding and most importantly, the team led by Brian is clearly energised and focused on delivering world-class luxury retail experiences. I look forward to working with the Board and Management to further build upon this success."

Tea Colaianni, Interim Chair, added: “Ian’s wealth of commercial, business and board experience and knowledge of the consumer, retail and luxury sectors in particular in the US and the UK will be a valuable asset for the Group as it enters the next phase of strategic growth.”

The Watches of Switzerland Group is the UK’s largest luxury watch retailer, operating in both the UK and US, comprising four prestigious jewellery brands; Watches of Switzerland, Mappin & Webb, Goldsmiths and Mayors.

Mappin & Webb holds Royal warrants as goldsmiths, silversmiths and jeweller to Her Majesty The Queen and silversmiths to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.