EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
WatchesJun 08, 2021
Mansour Ojjeh, the TAG in TAG Heuer, Dies at 68
Ojjeh was a legend in the world of Formula 1 racing and owned TAG Heuer from 1985 to 1999.
Two shots of the late Mansour Ojjeh provided by McLaren. The Ojjeh family owns Techniques d’Avant Garde, which is the “TAG” in TAG Heuer. Ojjeh owned the watch company from 1985 to 1999 when he sold it to LVMH.
Geneva—Mansour Ojjeh, a legend in the world of Formula 1 racing and the man behind the “TAG” in TAG Heuer, died Sunday in Geneva surrounded by his family.
He was 68.
McLaren shared news of Ojjeh’s death on its website Sunday morning.
According to a full obituary posted on the site later that day, Ojjeh was born on Sept. 25, 1952.
His father, Akram Ojjeh, was a businessman and industrialist who started Techniques d’Avant Garde—better known by the acronym TAG—in 1975 as a holding company for his myriad investments.
The younger Ojjeh studied at the American School in Paris, earned a bachelor’s in business at Menlo College in Atherton, California and his master’s degree at the University of Santa Clara.
Through TAG, the Ojjeh family was involved in a number of industries, including motor racing (Mansour Ojjeh had been a main shareholder in McLaren since the early ‘80s), aviation and the watch industry.
In 1985, Ojjeh bought the watch company that was the timing partner for McLaren, Heuer, a Swiss watchmaker that traces its roots to 1860.
A new watch brand was born—TAG Heuer.
He was 68.
McLaren shared news of Ojjeh’s death on its website Sunday morning.
According to a full obituary posted on the site later that day, Ojjeh was born on Sept. 25, 1952.
His father, Akram Ojjeh, was a businessman and industrialist who started Techniques d’Avant Garde—better known by the acronym TAG—in 1975 as a holding company for his myriad investments.
The younger Ojjeh studied at the American School in Paris, earned a bachelor’s in business at Menlo College in Atherton, California and his master’s degree at the University of Santa Clara.
Through TAG, the Ojjeh family was involved in a number of industries, including motor racing (Mansour Ojjeh had been a main shareholder in McLaren since the early ‘80s), aviation and the watch industry.
In 1985, Ojjeh bought the watch company that was the timing partner for McLaren, Heuer, a Swiss watchmaker that traces its roots to 1860.
A new watch brand was born—TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer is saddened by the passing of Mansour Ojjeh, a great friend of the company whose support was key in building us into the brand we are today. pic.twitter.com/rCKwG1XBTC
— TAG Heuer (@TAGHeuer) June 6, 2021
Ojjeh’s company, TAG Gruppe, was the largest single shareholder of TAG Heuer. LVMH Moёt Hennessy Louis Vuitton bought the brand in 1999 for $740 million.
On Sunday, TAG Heuer said via social media that it was saddened to learn of Ojjeh’s death, calling him “a great friend of the company whose support was key in building us into the brand we are today.”
Ojjeh suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease, and underwent a double lung transplant in 2013.
He recovered and returned to work, taking on an executive role with McLaren in 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their four children, Lana, Lia, Sara and Sultan.
On Sunday, TAG Heuer said via social media that it was saddened to learn of Ojjeh’s death, calling him “a great friend of the company whose support was key in building us into the brand we are today.”
Ojjeh suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease, and underwent a double lung transplant in 2013.
He recovered and returned to work, taking on an executive role with McLaren in 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their four children, Lana, Lia, Sara and Sultan.
More on Watches
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
