Ian brings over 30 years of international and retail experience to the Group, having held a number of senior positions at UK and US consumer-facing and luxury companies. For the last 15 years Ian has been with Hilton Worldwide, joining Hilton International as CEO in London in 2005. He was an integral part of the senior team that took Hilton Worldwide private and then public in 2013. Hilton Worldwide now has over 6,000 hotels across 13 brands including the luxury brands of Waldorf Astoria and Conrad and operates in over 120 countries around the world. Prior to joining Hilton, Ian served as an Officer and President of Black & Decker Corporation.
Ian has lived and worked in Europe, Asia and for the last 14 years in the US.
In addition, Ian has significant non-executive experience having served on a number of boards in the UK and the US, including Burberry Group PLC between 2007 and 2019 where he further developed a deep knowledge and appreciation of the global luxury industry.
Tea Colaianni, Senior Independent Director, has today taken over as Interim Chair and will continue in this role until Ian joins the Board.
Tea Colaianni, Interim Chair, said:
"Following a thorough global search process, the Board is delighted to welcome Ian to Watches of Switzerland Group as non-executive Chairman.
Ian's wealth of commercial, business and board experience and knowledge of the consumer, retail and luxury sectors in particular in the US and the UK will be a valuable asset for the Group as it enters the next phase of strategic growth."
Ian Carter said:
"I could not be more excited about joining the team at this time. After a very successful IPO the opportunities for further growth are outstanding and most importantly, the team led by Brian is clearly energized and focused on delivering world class luxury retail experiences. I look forward to working with the Board and Management to further build upon this success."
