Audemars Piguet’s new CEO of Southeast Asia, Jonathan King, is an industry veteran who knows the region like the back of his hand, observes Candice Chan
BARELY THREE DAYS into the job and Jonathan King, Audemars Piguet’s CEO of Southeast Asia, had to host an event with some of the brand’s important clients. But it was no tall order for the man who had lived in Japan for the last five years. “It was like catching up with some old friends, some fast firm new friends — it was wonderful,” shares King, who is no stranger to Singapore.
Most of the Englishman’s career moves in the luxury sector was based in the city-state. Prior to his stint as CEO of Audemars Piguet Japan and Korea, he headed operations at Van Cleef & Arpels in Southeast Asia for more than three years. Before that, he spent a year with Singapore-based luxury retailer Valiram Group as its Asia Pacific general manager (2008 to 2009). Barring a two-year stint in Hong Kong with IWC Schaffhausen as its retail and export director (2006 to 2007) and regional brand manager (2007 to 2008), he was IWC Southeast Asia’s regional brand manager. The last meant he was based in Singapore for a little over four years. Go back further, and you’ll discover King also worked at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore as its senior sales and events manager, prior to his year in London with Harrods.
“Singapore is surrounded by countries that are constantly developing and emerging — that’s why I love Southeast Asia,” he says of his affinity for the region. “We’re going to see continued importance and evolution of this 2.5-billion population (if I include India). My task is to see how we can position ourselves to best leverage opportunities that arise in this very dynamic, diverse geographical, geopolitical environment.”
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
This story is from the January 2018 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2018 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Power To The People
Boucheron creative director Claire Choisne's latest high-jewellery creations are stylish statements of authority and achievement.
Walking into the Blue
Dive into luxury at Depth of Blue, Johnnie Walker Blue Label's first flagship bar in Southeast Asia. Dive into luxury at Depth of Blue, Johnnie Walker Blue Label's first flagship bar in Southeast Asia.
IN THE FLOW
For ANDRÉ FU, travel isn't so much a means of inspiration as it is a way to detach from everyday life to approach his work from fresh perspectives.
CHIC VOLUMES
Impractically oversized but utterly beautiful tomes featuring an eclectic subject, coffee table books serve to kick-start conversations in addition to being subtle avenues of sophisticated self-expression. Here are six titles to consider having on your living room table.
VICTOR OVER TIME
35 years after they broke convention as renegade art students, Phillip Lim catches up with eminent artist SUZANN VICTOR to reminisce about past escapades and how far the artist has come.
Circle of Friends
A Singapore family that has set up a second home in remote Kenya shares their connection with the local communities with guests of their lodge.
VIVE LA WEAVE
Chanel's latest high jewellery collection celebrates the innovation that put her squarely in the pantheon of legendary fashion designers.
VIEW BEYOND THE RACES
For Richard Mille, life in the fast lane is more than just performance-driven machines, it's a profound appreciation for excellence in various forms.
OFF TO THE FAIR
Watch clients are increasingly dropping into Watches and Wonders, a trade fair meant for retailers and media personnel. Here's why.
STEP LIVELY
In the original design of Hermès' Mon Premier Galop shawl by Chinese artist Tong Ren, a horse with an awkward yet happy gait is depicted in simple lines, colour blocks, and decorative-trimming inspired by traditional basketry.
