In a strategic move coinciding with the release of its half-year results, Richemont proudly announces the promotion of Karlheinz Baumann to its Management Board. Named Chief Operating Officer earlier this year, Baumann’s role expands significantly as he joins the management committee of the Swiss luxury giant, renowned for its iconic brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Chloé, and Alaïa.
Effective November 10, Baumann assumes the position of «Director of Operations,» overseeing key areas including manufacturing, research & innovation, customer service, logistics & supply chain, indirect purchasing, responsible sourcing, and safety.
With a rich background spanning twenty-seven years in the automotive and luxury sectors, Baumann, a Swiss-German manager, has excelled in operational roles related to production, research & development, and supply chain. Reporting directly to Richemont CEO Jérôme Lambert, Baumann brings a wealth of experience to drive operational excellence.
Baumann’s academic credentials include a master’s degree in physics from the Technical University of Munich and an MBA from Kellogg University in Illinois, USA. Commencing his career as a consultant with McKinsey in 1996, he later transitioned to the automotive industry in 2003, overseeing operations at Wilhelm Karmann.
Joining Richemont in 2008, Baumann spent eight years at IWC Schaffhausen as the Director of Operations before climbing the ranks within the Group. In 2016, he assumed the role of Director of Industry & Services, and in 2023, he was appointed Head of Operations at Richemont.
Johann Rupert, Richemont Chairman, emphasizes the strategic importance of Baumann’s appointment, stating, «His wealth of experience and profound understanding of the group will play a crucial role in advancing our strategic initiatives, particularly in digitalization, flexibility, and resilience across our operations, including ‘Luxury New Retail’ and our e-commerce platforms such as the YNAP site.»
For leaders shaping the future of luxury, Karlheinz Baumann’s elevation marks a significant milestone in Richemont’s journey towards operational excellence and digital innovation.
