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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.”
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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.
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