Pierre Jacques Steps Down As CEO, A New Chapter Begins At De Bethune
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After over fifteen remarkable years at the helm of De Bethune, Pierre Jacques has announced he will be stepping down from his executive role this summer to pursue new personal and professional ventures. While moving on from day-to-day leadership, Jacques will remain an integral part of the brand as Honorary President and will work closely with co-founder and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet and Executive Chairman Justin Reis to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.
Since taking on the role of CEO in 2011, Jacques has been instrumental in shaping De Bethune’s trajectory, propelling it into the upper echelons of independent Swiss watchmaking. That same year, the maison earned the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève—an affirmation of its groundbreaking innovation and technical artistry.
In 2015, he also assumed leadership of the Board, bringing renewed energy and global expansion to the brand. His close partnership with Denis Flageollet has preserved De Bethune’s visionary spirit, rooted in creative freedom and horological excellence. From securing the future of its Sainte Croix manufacture to building relationships with top-tier retailers, spearheading a strategic management buy-out, and overseeing the pivotal alliance with WatchBox (now The 1916 Company) in 2021, Jacques has played a defining role in the maison’s evolution.
Reflecting on his time at De Bethune, Jacques shared: “Fifteen intense and deeply fulfilling years – an extraordinary chapter of my life. I am proud of what De Bethune has become and profoundly grateful to Denis for everything we’ve built together. Our majority shareholder, The 1916 Company, remains fully committed to our vision and continues to invest in alignment with Denis’ guidance and the interests of our team. We’re preparing a seamless transition, and I look forward to supporting De Bethune’s exciting next phase.”
Denis Flageollet, who remains at the creative and technical core of the brand, affirmed his continued dedication: “My collaboration with Pierre over the past fifteen years has helped shape De Bethune into the singular brand it is today. I remain committed to deepening our in-house expertise, passing on our savoir-faire, and staying true to our mission: to innovate, to create, and to inspire.”
Executive Chairman Justin Reis added: “This transition is built on trust, continuity, and shared purpose. We are thankful to Pierre for staying on as Honorary President and supporting this next chapter. Alongside Denis and the team, we’re confident De Bethune will continue to thrive. As majority shareholders, our belief in the brand has never been stronger—and its future never brighter.”
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