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Lisa Jones Appointed President of Patek Philippe USA
She is the first woman to head the U.S. market for the venerable Swiss brand.
New York—Patek Philippe announced Monday that Lisa Jones will take over for Larry Pettinelli as president of The Henri Stern Watch Agency Inc., the North American importer and distributor of Patek Philippe watches.
The appointment is a promotion for Jones, who joined HSWA 16 years ago after serving as vice president at watch auction house Antiquorum.
During her time at Patek Philippe, she has held roles in public relations, and sales and marketing, rising through the ranks to become vice president, overseeing all of the brand’s commercial activities in the United States including sales and marketing.
In 2014, she was invited to join The Wall Street Journal’s “Women of Note,” a network of female leaders recognized by the WSJ for excellence in their profession and contributions to their communities.
In the company news release announcing the appointment, HSWA board Chairman Hank Edelman said Jones’ passion for the brand and knowledge of the American market make her the right person to lead the company.
He also noted that Patek Philippe is “a rare company that has been able to stay true to its ideals and stay independent for 180 years,” a statement that comes just a few months after talk surfaced that the company—which is one of the last big independent watchmakers—could be sold.
Pettinelli is leaving the company to “embark on the next phase of his career,” the company said. Jones’ appointment is effective immediately.
Headquartered at Rockefeller Center in New York, HSWA imports, distributes and services Patek Philippe watches for the North American market.
Founded by Henri Stern, grandfather of current Patek President Thierry Stern, HSWA has served as the American arm of the Swiss company for 73 years and has 72 employees, including 31 watchmakers.
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