The Swiss watch industry is famously traditional. At the same time, it has also proven itself as incredibly adaptable, especially in the face of a global crisis. This is particularly true for IWC Schaffhausen. To learn more about the brand’s initiatives that allowed it to not only survive but also thrive in these trying times, we chatted with Florian Gutsmiedl, who in June this year assumed the post of Managing Director for IWC’s operations in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
DAMAN: You have been part of the IWC family for over a decade now. Can you give us a brief recap of your journey with the brand? And what were some of the biggest highlights in that journey?
I have always been a watch enthusiast and intrigued by the intricacies of fine watchmaking. I started in IWC as a business analyst and assistant to the International Sales Director. After three years, I was promoted to Regional Manager for Europe, Middle East and Russia, where I served as a strategic sparring partner for the regional leadership teams, challenging and supporting them on strategic and operational topics. In 2016, I became the Head of Market Business Development and worked with the teams towards unexplored territories. For example, with a pure online player such as Mr. Porter. After which, I was
