LVMH Recruits Former Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias as Hublot Adviser

François-Henry Bennahmias Brings His Experience to Hublot

François-Henry Bennahmias is widely recognised for his achievements during more than a decade as chief executive of Audemars Piguet. Under his leadership, the independent Swiss manufacturer significantly expanded its international business and strengthened its position among the world's leading luxury watchmakers.

During his tenure, Audemars Piguet's annual sales exceeded $2 billion, reflecting the company's substantial commercial growth.

His experience is now expected to support Hublot, which is led by chief executive Julien Tornare. The brand has established a distinctive identity through contemporary watch design, innovative materials and limited-edition collections.

The reported appointment is also an important development for Jean Arnault, the youngest son of LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault. Having previously worked on Louis Vuitton's watchmaking activities, Jean Arnault assumed responsibility for the group's watchmaking division in 2025.

According to industry reports, his approach includes drawing on the experience of executives familiar with exclusive watchmaking and limited production. Bennahmias's background at Audemars Piguet makes him a particularly notable addition to this process.

The consultancy is expected to provide Hublot with additional expertise as the brand develops its future direction. Julien Tornare will continue to lead the company as chief executive.

LVMH Considers the Future Direction of Hublot and Zenith

The involvement of Bennahmias comes as LVMH examines opportunities to develop the positioning of Hublot and Zenith within the luxury watch market.

According to Glitz, potential changes at Hublot could include a reassessment of certain artistic collaborations, including projects associated with Jeff Koons and Samuel Ross.

Artistic partnerships have long formed part of Hublot's identity. The manufacturer is known for combining contemporary design with unconventional materials and creative collaborations, an approach that has helped distinguish its watches from more traditional Swiss collections.

At Zenith, industry reports suggest that LVMH is considering adjustments to production volumes as part of a possible move towards a more exclusive market position.

These ideas remain reported possibilities rather than officially announced changes. Nevertheless, they indicate the areas being discussed as LVMH considers the long-term development of its watchmaking portfolio.

Bennahmias's advisory role has been reported specifically in connection with Hublot, and there is no confirmation that he will take on responsibilities at Zenith.

Bennahmias Expands His Activities Beyond Audemars Piguet

After leaving Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias began pursuing several new projects in the luxury industry.

In April 2025, he was elected as an independent director to the board of Italian luxury fashion group Moncler. The appointment brought him into closer contact with a business that also has connections to LVMH and the Arnault family.

In September 2024, LVMH acquired a minority stake in Double R, the holding company controlled by Moncler chairman and chief executive Remo Ruffini. Double R is Moncler's largest shareholder.

The relationship between the two luxury groups developed further in 2025, when Alexandre Arnault joined Moncler's board of directors alongside Bennahmias.

Bennahmias has also established his own business initiatives. In September 2025, he introduced The Honourable Merchants Group, a Switzerland-based investment and business development platform focused on luxury goods, craftsmanship and related industries.

The platform aims to establish and support businesses with specialist expertise in luxury manufacturing and associated sectors.

In July 2026, Bennahmias announced plans to develop a new watch brand called N3W5. The first watches from the new brand are expected to be presented at Dubai Watch Week in 2027.

The new venture marks his return to watchmaking as an entrepreneur, while his reported collaboration with Hublot adds an advisory role to his expanding activities in the luxury industry.

A New Chapter for Hublot and François-Henry Bennahmias

The reported appointment of François-Henry Bennahmias represents a significant development for both Hublot and the former Audemars Piguet chief executive.

For Bennahmias, it adds another project to a growing portfolio of activities that already includes Moncler, The Honourable Merchants Group and the forthcoming N3W5 watch brand.

For Hublot, the collaboration offers access to an executive whose leadership experience includes more than a decade of substantial growth at one of Switzerland's most successful independent watch manufacturers.

With Jean Arnault overseeing LVMH's watchmaking division and Julien Tornare leading Hublot, Bennahmias's strategic input could become a valuable part of the brand's next stage of development.

The reported agreement highlights LVMH's continued attention to its watchmaking businesses and Hublot's ambition to strengthen its position among the leading names in Swiss luxury watchmaking.