The independent Swiss Watch brand HYT Watches has announced that Geneva-born Vahé Vartzbed will become the company’s new CEO from July 1st, 2024.
Vahé Vartzbed joined the Neuchâtel brand at the end of August 2023, and his goal is to continue developing the brand’s strategy and ambitions as it moves towards new chapters in its history, the first of which is the T1 Series, which was unveiled in April 2024.
He said, “Fascinated by this absolutely unique universe, which has been combining watchmaking tradition with fluid innovation since its creation in 2012, I am deeply honoured to continue building the next chapters in the history of HYT Watches, a process we started with our team from my arrival last year.
“My aim is to perpetuate the brand’s disruptive and creative spirit by continually expanding the watchmaking offering with more content and innovation.”
Vahé’s appointment as the watch brand’s new CEO will result in the following organisational changes:
Vincent Perriard, who took on an executive role at the end of November 2022, will resume his responsibilities as Chairman of the Board of Directors, with a particular focus on products and marketing, from July 1st 2024, and remains a member of the Steering Committee.
After more than eight years at HYT Watches, Frank Henchoz has been promoted to the position of Director of Operations and will be in charge of Production and Product development from June 1st 2024.
Antoine Serra, who joined the company over seven years ago, has also been promoted internally, becoming the Workshop Manager from June 1st 2024. New members will be added to the watchmaking team in the near future.
A person in charge of managing the American markets will also complete the sales team to provide local support for development within this important region.
HYT Watches also wanted to publically thank Nicolas Sestito for the work completed under his supervision over the last two years, in particular on the new T1 Series collection, launched at Watches & Wonders 2024, which represents an important new chapter in the brand’s history.
About Vahé Vartzbed
Vahé Vartzbed was born in Geneva in 1985 and is of Armenian heritage. After obtaining a Master’s degree in the Science of Management (Geneva School of Economics and Management) in 2009, he commenced his watchmaking career in Dubai at Roger Dubuis, covering the MENAI zone.
In 2013, he returned to Switzerland to oversee sales and commercial development in America, Europe and the Middle East directly from the headquarters of Roger Dubuis.
From 2015 to 2020, he held various roles at Girard-Perregaux, including Sales Manager for Europe and Head of Haute Horlogerie.
From 2020 to 2023, he was head of sales for Asia, Europe, and certain Middle Eastern markets at Greubel Forsey.