ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024? Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
Events & AwardsAug 03, 2018
CEO of Baselworld’s Management Company Resigns
René Kamm has stepped down in the wake of Swatch Group’s withdrawal from the 2019 edition of the watch and jewelry trade show.
Basel, Switzerland—René Kamm, CEO of Baselworld organizer the MCH Group AG, has stepped down. His resignation comes less than a week after the loss of the watch and jewelry trade show’s biggest exhibitor, the Swatch Group.
Kamm will be replaced by MCH Group AG board Chairman Ulrich Vischer until the company can find a new permanent CEO. He had been with MCH Group for almost 20 years, starting in 1999 as Baselworld’s director.
In the release announcing Kamm’s resignation, MCH Group said the board and Kamm mutually decided that “the time has come for a change in the operational leadership of MCH Group” in light of what it described as a “fundamental transformation phase in business operations.”
His exit follows that of longtime Baselworld Managing Director Sylvie Ritter, who resigned in the spring.
News of Swatch Group’s exit from the watch and jewelry trade show broke Sunday in an interview CEO Nick Hayek did with Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung.
In a later interview with CNBC, Hayek said that traditional trade shows like Baselworld “no longer make much sense” and he blasted show management for being “a little bit arrogant,” unwilling to change with the times and non-communicative with key exhibitors, like Swatch Group, about any changes that are planned.
The loss of Swatch Group, which brings 17 of its 18 watch brands to the show, was a huge blow to Baselworld, which acknowledged in announcing Kamm’s resignation Friday that it will have a “yet inestimable” impact on its balance sheet in 2019 but rejected the idea that the show will not go on.
“Although it does not generally question the continuation of the Baselworld trade fair, the withdrawal of this important exhibitor has led to questions concerning the consequences for MCH Group's results,” the company said.
Also on Friday, MCH Group corrected what it says was an error in the release it issued Monday in reaction to news of Swatch Group’s withdrawal.
The release claimed that there was a meeting held July 4 with the show’s Comité Consultatif (committe of top brands) but is saying now that the meeting was actually with the extended Comité Mondial (a larger committee comprised of representatives from all sectors) but noted that the members of both committees are the same.
A Baselworld spokesman added that Swatch Group has a representative on both committees, and that the show stands by its
statement earlier in the week, which denied public claims made by Hayek that exhibitors had not been notified of planned changes to the show.
“The new ideas were presented and discussed in all exhibitor committees,” the spokesman said.
“The new ideas were presented and discussed in all exhibitor committees,” the spokesman said.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry BusinessesThe company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRFCore retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of NowThe “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
