PPR announces the appointment of Michele Sofisti as CEO of Sowind Group. He will be seconded by Stefano Macaluso, Managing Director for Girard-Perregaux, and Massimo Macaluso, Managing Director for JeanRichard and the Manufacture, who stay in their current position.

He will also continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer Gucci Group Watches and Jewellery, and Member of the Board of Directors of Gucci Timepieces Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Japan.

An expert of the Haute Horlogerie industry, Michele Sofisti joined Gucci Group Watches as Strategic Advisor in 2009. He was promoted to CEO in 2010 after helping successfully reposition Gucci’s product offering within the watchmaking market.

Commenting on this announcement, François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR and President of Sowind Group, said: "I am pleased to welcome Michele Sofisti to this new role. Michele has strong management expertise within the high-end watchmaking segment. I am confident that he will be able to develop Sowind Group’s growth on the international market, just as he is successfully doing currently at Gucci Group Watches.”

Michele Sofisti commented: “I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to further develop this high-end watchmaking manufacture, which includes such a prestigious brand as Girard-Perregaux. I am looking forward to work alongside Monica Macaluso and with Stefano and Massimo Macaluso to bring Sowind Group’s growth potential to full fruition.”

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