Richemont, the Swiss luxury goods group, announces the retirement of Mr Claude-Daniel Proellochs, Chief Executive of Vacheron Constantin. Mr Proellochs will be succeeded as
Chief Executive by Mr Juan-Carlos Torres, currently Deputy Chief Executive of Vacheron Constantin.

Paying tribute to Mr Proellochs, Richemont Group CEO, Norbert Platt, said:

"For the last 17 years, Claude-Daniel has steered Vacheron Constantin to a pre-eminent position in the Haute Horlogerie market. This has been borne out by the success enjoyed by the brand during this, its 250th anniversary year.

We thank him for his dedication and the immense contribution he has made to the development of Vacheron Constantin. He has been a passionate advocate for the Maison and, most importantly, has protected and enhanced the proud Vacheron Constantin heritage."

Vacheron Constantin was acquired by Richemont in 1996.

Mr Proellochs position within Vacheron Constantin will be taken by his current deputy, Mr Juan-Carlos Torres.
Mr Torres, a Swiss national, has worked with Vacheron Constantin since 1981, initially in an accounting role before rising to become Finance Director in 1987,
Finance and Manufacturing Director in 2000 and, latterly, Deputy Chief Executive in 2002.

Richemont owns a portfolio of leading international brands including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc and Lancel as well as the prestigious watch manufacturers Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne and Officine Panerai.
In addition to its luxury goods business, Richemont holds an 18.5 per cent interest in British American Tobacco.

Source : Compagnie Financière Richemont SA

www.richemont.com