WatchesDec 04, 2023
Chrono24 Debuts the ‘Dow Jones’ for Luxury WatchesWatchesDec 14, 2023
Chrono24 Names McKinsey Exec as New CEO
Carsten Keller, who most recently worked for German e-tailer Zalando, will take the reins next year.
Chrono24 co-CEOs Holger Felgner (left) and Tim Stracke (right) have chosen former McKinsey & Company executive Carsten Keller (center) as the company’s new CEO.
Karlsruhe, Germany—Watch marketplace Chrono24 announced Thursday that it has named a new CEO as it heads into its “next phase of growth.”
Co-CEOs Tim Stracke, who is also the company’s founder, and Holger Felgner have named Carsten Keller as their successor, effective Jan. 1.
Most recently, Keller worked for German fashion e-tailer Zalando for eight years, founding its “Connected Retail” venture, allowing more than 7,500 offline retailers to sell their goods online.
Prior to that, he spent more than a decade with McKinsey & Company, serving in several leadership positions and advising in the fashion and luxury sectors.
In a press release, Stracke said the decision wasn’t easy to make, but he and Felgner knew they would need to find a successor to lead Chrono24 into the next phase of growth.
“Carsten’s expertise in the luxury industry and with fast-paced online marketplaces, as well as his experience in the leadership team of a publicly traded company, make him a one-in-a-million candidate to unlock the next chapter for Chrono24.”
Related stories will be right here …
Co-CEOs Tim Stracke, who is also the company’s founder, and Holger Felgner have named Carsten Keller as their successor, effective Jan. 1.
Most recently, Keller worked for German fashion e-tailer Zalando for eight years, founding its “Connected Retail” venture, allowing more than 7,500 offline retailers to sell their goods online.
Prior to that, he spent more than a decade with McKinsey & Company, serving in several leadership positions and advising in the fashion and luxury sectors.
In a press release, Stracke said the decision wasn’t easy to make, but he and Felgner knew they would need to find a successor to lead Chrono24 into the next phase of growth.
“Carsten’s expertise in the luxury industry and with fast-paced online marketplaces, as well as his experience in the leadership team of a publicly traded company, make him a one-in-a-million candidate to unlock the next chapter for Chrono24.”
Chrono24 celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, highlighting its community of more than 35,000 professional and private sellers who are offering more than 530,000 luxury timepieces to its more than 9 million monthly active customers.
The watch seller achieved so-called unicorn status, meaning it was a privately held company with a valuation over $1 billion, after its 2021 funding round.
It has continued to charm investors, recently welcoming football icon Cristiano Ronaldo as an investor. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault’s Aglaé Ventures also has sunk money into the company.
Stracke and Felgner will remain key shareholders and active members of the board, which Stracke will lead as chairman.
Keller shared his excitement about taking the reins.
“Chrono24 has revolutionized the luxury watch sector over the past 20 years. I am incredibly honored to lead this true global champion. Tim and Holger have done an incredible job building the company. The opportunity ahead of us is huge. Now, a good part of my job will be to strengthen our ability to focus, innovate and accelerate, making Chrono24 the home for every watch enthusiast,” he said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
