Time To Shine

Stefanie NG, Audemars Piguet south-east Asia’s first female CEO, reveals how she has overcome the challenges of the past year.

- Emily Pidgeon

Born within the rolling mountains of the Vallée de Joux, Audemars Piguet has been the master of time for 146 years. Expanding beyond the crisp Swiss air, the luxury watch brand has shared its unique handmade complications with the world, and more than a century later, Stefanie Ng has been tasked with writing the newest horology chapters.

Stepping into her role as CEO of Audemars Piguet South-East Asia in October 2019, Stefanie was yet to understand the unprecedented scope of challenges destined to hit worldwide. “COVID-19 is like a hurricane sweeping across the entire world disrupting the norm,” she tells The CEO Magazine. “2020 was a year where every business needed to pivot in one way or another.”

From live broadcasting from Le Brassus – the village where Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded the company – to continue its relationships with local clients, the business was able to overcome many pandemic challenges.

“Our sales staff had to find creative solutions to stay well-connected with our clients,” Stefanie says. “They had to learn and implement new technologies and solutions to make this an unforgettable experience. We have constantly pushed the boundaries and thought of new ideas to captivate our clients.”

Challenges are something Stefanie relishes, so the opportunity to become the first female CEO of Audemars Piguet South-East Asia was instantly appealing. Despite such little representation of women in the corporate world of luxury watches, the businesswoman doesn’t let gender stereotypes dictate her success.