Richemont Announces Two Important CEO Appointments

Louis Ferla becomes CEO of Cartier, while Catherine Rénier moves to Van Cleef & Arples

Richemont has announced the internal appointment of two new CEOs: Louis Ferla, current CEO of Vacheron Constantin, will become CEO of Cartier, while current CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, Catherine Rénier, will join Van Cleef & Arples.

Ferla will assume his role as Cartier’s new CEO on September 1. Cyrille Vigneron, current CEO of Cartier, will retire and assume the role of Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy.

In a statement, Group Chairman Johann Rupert praised Ferli’s achievements, stating, “His experience and leadership qualities will prove invaluable to Cartier’s long-term success.” Rupert also acknowledged Vigneron’s contribution, noting that under his leadership, Cartier had reached “new heights, becoming a reference point in the world of luxury.” He thanked Vigneron for appointing the right person to succeed him.

Originally from France, Ferla joined Richemont in 2001. He began his career at the company as Area Sales Manager for Dunhill in Hong Kong and later became CEO in Taipei. Ferla joined Cartier in 2006, holding various management positions in the Middle East, India and Africa before becoming CEO in China. He was promoted to Cartier’s executive committee in 2015 as international director of customer and business. Ferla has served as CEO of Vacheron Constantin since 2017.

Under Ferli’s leadership, Vacheron Constantin has expanded its cultural partnerships. This included a collaboration with the Louvre in 2019 and an agreement with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2023 for educational programs.

Meanwhile, in another significant leadership change at the luxury group, Catherine Rénier, current CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, has been appointed as the new CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, effective September 1. Following the change, Rénier will report to the group’s CEO once his appointment takes effect. Rénier brings more than two decades of experience in the jewelry and watchmaking industries to Richemont, having joined the group in 1999 as director of retail development for Cartier North America in New York. In 2003, she moved to Paris to join Van Cleef & Arpels as deputy marketing manager.

Her career took her to Hong Kong in 2008, where she served as the Maison’s commercial director. In 2011, she was appointed managing director of Hong Kong and Macau SAR in China, and then became president of the Asia-Pacific region, a role she held for eight years. Rénier has been CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre since 2018.

Reflecting on her tenure, Bos commented: “Her six years at the helm of Jaeger-LeCoultre have enabled her to build a strong management team and a clear and differentiated positioning for the Maison, which has been fundamental to its success during her tenure. Catherine brings the ideal combination of experience and leadership skills to this role.”

In the meantime, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s CFO, Philippe Hermann, will assume the position of CEO until a permanent successor is appointed.