Ricardo Guadalupe, was appointed as CEO of Hublot on 1st January 2012. This appointment has made him Jean-Claude Biver’s designated successor, with the latter now Chairman of the Board of Hublot. It also marks an entire career in the Swiss watch industry, and 20 years of loyal collaboration with Jean-Claude Biver, with exceptional results attributable to this duo, such as the renaissance of Blancpain and the burgeoning development of Hublot, two brands which rival the greatest names in watchmaking. In terms of marketing, Jean-Claude Biver and Ricardo Guadalupe’s constancy and consistency are just as remarkable as his need to keep turning received ideas on their head, as illustrated by his strategy: « Go where potential customers can be found ».

Interview with Ricardo Guadalupe
by Guy Amici

Mr. Guadalupe, what was the inspiration that led you to this career choice ?
I was born in one of the birthplaces of luxury watchmaking, Neuchâtel. So this universe has fascinated me since I was a child, thanks, without a doubt, to my father, who was head of manufacturing for automatic watches. I later made this passion a reality when Bulgari, which was a small enterprise at the time, employed me as product manager.

How many hours a week do you spend on work ?
I spend most of my time at work, except when I am at home with my son.

What values that characterize you the most ?
Loyalty and surpassing myself.

Among the various models of watches that the brand product, which is the one you’re most proud of ?
The Big Bang Tourbillon 5 Days Power Reserve Indicator, the one I am wearing now. Because it is a Big Bang, the iconic collection of Hublot. Moreover, the case is made in titanium, it embodies the innovation of Hublot because titanium is very light so it is very comfortable to wear it. It shows how Hublot is focusing on the customer.

Mr. Guadalupe as CEO of Hublot, what is your greatest pride ?
My greatest pride is the motivation of my team on daily work.

What was the characteristics that led Hublot to success ?
Innovation. Because with no innovation, no future. Without innovation, we can’t create new fusions like with the Big Bang Broderie where we have embroidery directly encapsulated on the dial and the case of the watch, which are made of carbon fiber. It is unusual to see embroidery and carbon fiber assembled together. This process is all new and exclusive for Hublot.

Hublot is represented by many famous ambassadors on the international scene. Is there a particular personality that you would associate with the brand ?
There is no particular personality that we would associate with the brand because all our ambassadors share our values and perfectly represent the brand.