97. Jean-Christophe Babin

Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH Group Managing Director, has officially announced the appointment of Jean-Christophe Babin as CEO of LVMH Watches, effective April 1, 2025. Babin, currently CEO of Bvlgari, will now also lead the Group’s prestigious watchmaking Maisons—Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith—succeeding Frédéric Arnault, who has recently taken the reins at Loro Piana.

Jean-Christophe Babin’s new responsibilities mark a powerful return to familiar territory. From 2000 to 2012, Babin was the driving force behind TAG Heuer’s global ascent, aligning the brand with the world of motorsports and, most notably, Formula 1. Under his leadership, TAG Heuer not only became synonymous with precision and performance but also deepened its strategic alliances in the racing world. This legacy continues to define the brand’s DNA.

“Under the leadership of Frédéric Arnault, the Watches Division has undertaken a significant transformation, including operational synergies and brand repositioning across the Maisons. I thank Frédéric for his vision and am confident Jean-Christophe will continue this momentum. His entrepreneurial spirit, energy, and proven leadership—especially in the motorsports space—will serve the Division’s ambitious growth,” said Stéphane Bianchi.

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Babin will oversee Julien Tornare (CEO of Hublot), Antoine Pin (CEO of TAG Heuer), and Benoît de Clerck (CEO of Zenith), building on the strategic groundwork laid by Arnault, for which we are deeply appreciative. His dual role as CEO of Bvlgari underscores LVMH’s confidence in his ability to scale luxury brands while honouring their heritage.

This leadership shift comes at a significant moment for TAG Heuer, which continues to deepen its presence in Formula 1 through technical partnerships, timekeeping innovations, and high-profile sponsorships. With Babin’s return, the brand is expected to further solidify its position as the Official Timekeeper of F1 and enhance its resonance among racing enthusiasts worldwide.

A graduate of HEC Paris, Babin began his career in marketing roles at Procter & Gamble, Benckiser, and Henkel before joining LVMH in 2000. His reputation as a transformative leader is backed by a track record of revitalising heritage brands—first at TAG Heuer, then at Bvlgari, where he has successfully led modernisation efforts since 2013.

As Formula 1’s global profile accelerates, LVMH Watches—anchored by TAG Heuer’s motorsports legacy—is poised to thrive under Jean-Christophe Babin’s visionary leadership.