Press release
The judgment delivered on September 29, 2009 by the law court in Geneva clearly confirms that Mr. Yvan Arpa, who was abruptly dismissed from his position as the CEO of the Romain Jerome watchmaking brand (RJ Watches SA), had not perpetrated any mistakes and had in no way betrayed the interests of the company and the brand. The judge has just delivered this legal decision.
On July 6, 2009, CEO Mr. Yvan Arpa and four members of his team were dismissed on the spot from their jobs. Due to the fact that the CEO's leadership qualities, coupled with his strong personality, were so closely associated with the brand's meteoric rise, the news was met with deep shock and disbelief by the entire watchmaking community. It is essential to remember that Mr. Arpa had managed to develop the young and unprofitable Romain Jerome brand into a prestigious and internationally acclaimed icon of luxury. Today, everyone knows the Titanic DNA: the only watch in the world made with parts of the Titanic. Apart from Mr. Arpa, who else could elevate rust on a pedestal by transforming the worst enemy of watchmakers for over centuries into a legendary must-have? With over 150 points of sales across the world and an annual turnover in sales exceeding 20 million Swiss francs, Mr. Arpa achieved a true success story that in the context of the global economy is considered to be highly exceptional. Nominated “CEO of the Year” by a member of the specialized press, Mr. Arpa, apart from his proven track record for producing numerous original ideas, is able to draw on his long experience in sales and marketing on an international scale. Due to his fascination for exclusive timepieces and his bold communication skills, the watch industry has given him the nickname of the Simon Templar of watchmaking.
As a sign of respect towards the brand that he had cherished and developed and also for the sake of the above-mentioned legal proceedings that have just terminated, Mr. Arpa had decided not to make any public comments, leaving plenty of question marks in the watchmaking business. Today, he has rightfully been proven innocent by Swiss law and has recovered a certain liberty of action and words that will help him to resume his rightful place at the center of the scene. He has first and foremost expressed his gratitude towards the suppliers, agents and clients who have never doubted his probity and his absolute loyalty towards his former shareholder, His Royal Highness Prince Fahd Al Saoud. Mr. Arpa wishes also to thank most sincerely all those people who have shared his professional life during the almost two decades he has spent in the watchmaking industry working for brands such as Sector, Baume & Mercier and Hublot, for the trust and support they have provided him throughout this ordeal.
Comm/TàG
