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Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts
Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
On Monday, Shinola announced it had named Ulrich Wohn as president, effective immediately. That same day, he resigned due to “a highly urgent personal matter.”
Detroit—Ulrich Wohn has resigned from his new role as president of Shinola, which he was set to start this week.
In an email sent on Monday evening, Shinola said Wohn had “unexpectedly” informed the company of his resignation, which was due to “a highly urgent personal matter.”
The company had announced Wohn’s appointment in an exclusive for WWD earlier that day.
Wohn was set to succeed Mark Light, who was planning a return to an advisory role at Shinola’s parent company Bedrock Manufacturing, according to WWD.
However, Light, the former CEO of Signet who stepped in as interim president of Shinola in May 2024, will stay on as Shinola’s president until a replacement is found, the company said.
Light will work closely with Steve Katzman, CEO of Bedrock Manufacturing, during this time.
“We respect Ulrich’s decision and wish him well,” Katzman said.
“Shinola has strong momentum right now, and we remain fully focused on our mission to create exceptional American-made watches built in Detroit and lifestyle products and [to] build on the foundation we’ve established with our recent creative appointments and strategic initiatives.”
Shinola was founded in 2011 is based in Detroit. Along with watches, the company sells leather goods, jewelry, pet products, and knives.
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In an email sent on Monday evening, Shinola said Wohn had “unexpectedly” informed the company of his resignation, which was due to “a highly urgent personal matter.”
The company had announced Wohn’s appointment in an exclusive for WWD earlier that day.
Wohn was set to succeed Mark Light, who was planning a return to an advisory role at Shinola’s parent company Bedrock Manufacturing, according to WWD.
However, Light, the former CEO of Signet who stepped in as interim president of Shinola in May 2024, will stay on as Shinola’s president until a replacement is found, the company said.
Light will work closely with Steve Katzman, CEO of Bedrock Manufacturing, during this time.
“We respect Ulrich’s decision and wish him well,” Katzman said.
“Shinola has strong momentum right now, and we remain fully focused on our mission to create exceptional American-made watches built in Detroit and lifestyle products and [to] build on the foundation we’ve established with our recent creative appointments and strategic initiatives.”
Shinola was founded in 2011 is based in Detroit. Along with watches, the company sells leather goods, jewelry, pet products, and knives.
Wohn has more than two decades of experience in the watch sector.
He previously spent eight years as president and chief executive officer of North America for LVMH-owned watch brand TAG Heuer.
He spent the last four years working as president of North America for Swiss knife manufacturer and watchmaker Victorinox.
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