Kern, Georges

Georges Kern is a Swiss watchmaking executive best known as CEO of Breitling and formerly of IWC.

Biography

Kern became CEO of IWC in 2002, tasked by Richemont to develop the newly-acquired brand beyond the technical watch market.

By 2011, Kern was named Head of Watchmaking for Richemont and also named manager of Roger Dubuis and Baume & Mercier. Control of the former was transferred to Jean-Marc Pontroué in 2012. In 15 years, Kern increased sales for IWC ten times over, and was highly respected for his energy and vision.

Kern moved to Breitling when it was acquired from the Schneider family by CVC Partners in March 2017. He was replaced at IWC by Christoph Grainger-Herr. At Breitling, Kern focused on rebuilding the brand's sales in Asia and sharpening focus on the model lines. These are organized according to the theme of land (Transocean), sea (Superocean), and air (Navitimer).