Richemont promoted Johann Rupert's son Anton to non-executive co-deputy chairman, overseeing creative and product strategy across its luxury Maisons. The appointment pairs the 39-year-old with governance-focused Bram Schot as part of the board's long-term succession planning.
Richemont appointed Anton Rupert, son of Chairman Johann Rupert, as non-executive co-deputy chairman, effective immediately, the luxury group said Wednesday.
"This appointment is an important step in the Board's long-term succession planning," Johann Rupert said. "Richemont's strength has always rested on the continuity that comes from close family involvement, on rigorous governance, and on an unwavering commitment to creativity and craftsmanship."
Anton Rupert, 39, will oversee the Maisons' Strategic Product and Communications Committee, ensuring continuity in the creative and commercial direction of the group's luxury brands. Bram Schot, the former Audi chief executive appointed deputy chairman in 2024, will assume responsibility for board and committee governance matters, including coordination of board committees and the corporate governance framework.
The dual appointment follows the board meeting of September 8 and was announced on the day of Richemont's annual general meeting. The Geneva-based group operates three business divisions: Jewellery Maisons including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati and Vhernier; Specialist Watchmakers including IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin; and Fashion & Accessories Maisons including Chloé, Montblanc and dunhill.
Anton Rupert has been a director of Richemont since 2017 and was influential in the group's acquisition of Watchfinder & Co. in 2018, serving on its board for two years. He also sits on the board of Remgro, the South African investment holding company controlled by the Rupert family, giving him exposure across the family's broader portfolio.
The appointment extends the Rupert family's control over the group, which is majority-controlled through Compagnie Financière Rupert. Richemont's Jewellery Maisons generated €4.7 billion in first-quarter sales, up 24 percent at constant currency, while total group revenue rose 20 percent to €6.3 billion. Specialist Watchmakers posted €873 million in sales, up 8 percent at constant currency, recovering from a period of plateauing sales and squeezed margins.
The succession step positions Anton Rupert for a more prominent leadership role while Schot's governance remit preserves independent oversight. Investors will watch for further board changes at Richemont's next annual general meeting in 2027.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
