Is Ilaria Resta Leaving Audemars Piguet?
Speculation has recently circulated that Ilaria Resta was preparing to leave her position as Chief Executive Officer of Audemars Piguet. These reports gained attention within the watch industry and raised questions about continuity at the Le Brassus manufacture. The company has since clarified that Resta remains fully committed to her role and continues to guide the maison through its current phase of growth.
Appointment and Significance
Ilaria Resta was announced as the next CEO of Audemars Piguet in May 2023. She joined the company in August 2023 in a transition capacity and officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2024. Her arrival marked the end of François-Henry Bennahmias’s tenure, which began in 2012 and saw Audemars Piguet gain recognition as a cultural and commercial force. Resta’s appointment represented both a generational change and the start of a new strategic chapter for the independent manufacture.
Professional Background
Before joining Audemars Piguet, Resta built a career in global consumer and luxury industries. She spent over two decades at Procter & Gamble, where she held senior leadership positions across Europe and North America. In 2020 she joined Firmenich, the Swiss fragrance and flavour company, as President of Global Perfumery and was recognised for driving innovation and sustainability initiatives. Her background in brand development, international management, and consumer engagement positioned her as a strong candidate to lead Audemars Piguet into its next stage of evolution.
Strategic Direction
Resta’s mandate at Audemars Piguet is centred on sustaining the company’s independence, strengthening its culture, and consolidating its global footprint. The focus includes expanding the manufacture’s reach in key markets while maintaining exclusivity through limited production and careful distribution. Particular emphasis is being placed on enhancing the client experience, further developing the brand’s architectural boutiques, and continuing investment in high watchmaking and artisanal métiers.
Audemars Piguet Today
Audemars Piguet remains one of the few major Swiss watchmakers still in family ownership, a factor that gives it flexibility compared with larger luxury groups. Its headquarters and workshops in the Vallée de Joux continue to be the centre of production and research. Core collections such as the Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet remain the pillars of the brand. Under Resta’s leadership, the company is expected to continue balancing innovation with its strong heritage, ensuring it remains competitive in the high-end watchmaking segment.
Conclusion
The rumours regarding Ilaria Resta’s departure have proven unfounded. She continues to lead Audemars Piguet with a clear mandate to consolidate the maison’s position as one of Switzerland’s most respected independent manufactures. Her combination of international management expertise and a focus on cultural continuity is intended to secure long-term growth while preserving the values that define Audemars Piguet.
