A veteran of the watch industry, Guillaume Tetu has lived many lives, today he is the COO Ralph Lauren, Watch and Jewelery Co.

1. Describe briefly your Childhood.

Born and raised in Lyon, France, and south Ouest (Atlantic see) each summertime, I developed strong epicurean lifestyle …

“Carpe diem” is my mojo, and “never give up” is my way of life, thanks to my parents education.

2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?

I had a chance to discover my passion for design and build objects around 12, and I planned my studies and life around that; First by following my Engineer Father’s advice to start with the technical part and strong mechanical knowledge, then finishing my studies with Product Design school.

3. What is your first significant memory as a child?

One of my first significant memory as child was to play in the forest and collecting wild strawberries with my older brother!

4. What you ever had another profession?

I spent my whole life designing and producing products, turning ideas into real. But I didn’t always work in the watch industry, my first job drove me to Ski industry and car industry (with 3D CAD CAM knowledge), then watchmaking. I had different positions but always in touch with product.

But when you become more senior, you shift to leadership instead of operational… reason why I still enjoy sparing time in workshops and CAD, when I can.

5. What made you decided to go in the direction you are currently in?

When I met Mr Lauren and the NY design team, I felt the passion and the energy around that incredible leader, and I decided to join that fabulous Brand and bring whatever experience that could contribute to develop the watch passion, vision and business with Ralph Lauren.

6. What is the worst job you’ve ever had to do?

I have to say that I have been lucky with my decisions and positions so far, but I was a bit tired with travels all around the world at one point, so let’s say the pure commercial part of the business can find better candidates…

7. what’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it?

When I had to let go 2 of my watchmakers in HAUTLENCE, after the Oct 2008 financial crisis that changed the world significantly, and almost killed us! I was so sad. I hate “restructuring”, but it’s part of a company life, and you must leave with it. Everything is linked to the way you make it, and the message you give, then you can face it.

8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?

Without any hesitation my mentor in the industry is Francois Burgener, my leader in Tag Heuer Product Department, he teaches me how to appreciate details on a dial, touch a case to feel the volume and aspects, and appreciate a beautiful and well-balanced product. Always gentle and fair manager, keeping distance when necessary and staying quiet in any situation, respecting colleagues and suppliers, a one of kind manager. I try to follow is way every day…

Today, I have the chance to work closely with a “living legend” in lifestyle and design, Mr Ralph Lauren, a real gentleman with an incredible eye and sense of details, able to share his vision and dreams, and deeply involved in each product we create, it’s a real pleasure and honour to work with him today, an develop the Watches & Jewelry category in such a strong company.

9. What are you the most proud of?

My family: my wife Anne-Valérie who supported me in all decisions, and 2 boys that are giving us such a hard but lovely time ;-)

10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you?

1 Stop looking at your smartphone when you are with someone! Enjoy real life and people.

2 Be realistic, stay the feet on the ground, always.

3 Listen, respect, share, learn, work hard, help, reward, enjoy…

4 Have fun, follow your convictions, trust your feeling and never regret a decision.

11. Name three thinks on your bucket list.

1 Enjoy my life with my beloved as long as I can.

2 Raised my kids with strong values and give them tools to evolve in a fast-changing world.

3 Giveback to those who don’t have the same chance in life than me.

12. Where do you think the watch industry is going to be in 10 years’ time?

The Watch Industry is resilient, innovative, but the number of consumers is not growing as fast as our production capacity, so let’s focus on quality, desirability and high-end in one hand, service and preowned market in the other hand.

For the digital world, it’s part of the new game so we may see a bigger gap between entry level that will suffer with smart watches, and “status” products in super luxury with a content and good value for money.

To learn more about Guillaume Tetu