Commitment, tenacity and ambition: Ricardo Guadalupe is the CEO of Hublot, one of the world’s best luxury watchmakers. Of Spanish origin, Ricardo Guadalupe was born in Switzerland and grew up in the region considered the cradle of Swiss Haute Horlogerie.
After a Swiss academic career and a brilliant experience in the USA, the entrepreneur settles in Switzerland to be serious from a professional point of view. The first major task was entrusted to him by Bulgari; specifically, he became the Project Manager. During this experience, he learns and knows all the delicate facets of his trade: from the commercial management of the product to the particular attention to design and aesthetics. Then it was the meeting with Jean-Claude Biver that was decisive for the brilliant continuation of his career: together they relaunched the Blancpain brand and consolidated the foundations of their work.
Ricardo continued to grow exponentially to the point of becoming an independent consultant and was given the task of developing the Léonard watches. Years later, Jean-Claude Biver, at the helm of Hublot, called on Guadalupe to put all their knowledge gained over time at the service of the brand founded in 1980, thus setting off a new and stimulating challenge in luxury watchmaking. The goal is to significantly grow the brand both in terms of sales and prestige.
Thanks to their contribution, the results are extraordinary and tangible in just four years: turnover has risen from 25 million Swiss francs to over 200 million. The numerous creations allow you to brilliantly face the climb to success, creating unique models such as the “Big Bang” and the famous “La Ferrari” (just to name two). Guadalupe always focuses on researching the latest high-tech materials and aims to safeguard advanced know-how. In the meantime, the Company continues to grow and the objectives achieved over time are many. After twenty years of consolidated experience, in 2012 Ricardo Guadalupe deservedly became the Managing Director of Hublot and the direct successor of his friend Jean-Claude Biver, who was awarded the title of Chairman of the Board by the French holding company specializing in luxury goods LVMH.
The 54-year-old Guadalupe has never stopped ringing successes one after the other, and in 2019, he continues to amaze us with his innovative ideas. Any recent news? The diamond watch was conceived as a creation of fine jewellery together with the French artist Richard Orlinski.
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Article edited by Federico Stilo