News Pierre Jacques Steps Down from Executive Role at De Bethune

After more than fifteen years of dedicated leadership, Pierre Jacques has announced his decision to step down from his executive role at De Bethune, effective this summer, to focus on new personal and professional ventures. 

Pierre will remain closely involved with the brand as Honorary President and will lead a seamless transition in collaboration with co-founder and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet and De Bethune’s Executive Chairman Justin Reis.

Pierre Jacques with the founder of Waqt platform, Dr Malek Ben Easa

Appointed CEO in 2011, Pierre Jacques played a pivotal role in accelerating De Bethune’s development, helping to establish it as one of the most respected independent maisons in Swiss Haute Horlogerie. That same year, De Bethune was awarded the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, marking a decade of relentless innovation and technical mastery. In 2015, Jacques took on leadership of the Board, infusing the brand with renewed momentum and expanding its global presence. Throughout, he worked closely with co founder and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet to preserve the brand’s visionary ethos and unwavering commitment to horological excellence. Jacques played a key role in securing the future of the manufacture in Sainte Croix, spearheading strategic partnerships with elite retailers, championing bespoke creations for collectors, and overseeing a management buy-out that brought together like-minded shareholders. In 2021, he orchestrated a transformative alliance with WatchBox (now The 1916 Company), a major force in the global luxury watch market, which has since accelerated De Bethune’s growth. 

Reflecting on his tenure, Pierre Jacques shared: “Fifteen intense and deeply fulfilling years , an extraordinary chapter of my life. I am proud of what De Bethune has become and profoundly grateful to Denis for everything we’ve built together. 

Denis Flageollet, co-founder and master watchmaker, remains fully engaged at De Bethune, affirming his ongoing dedication: “My close collaboration with Pierre over the past fifteen years has helped shape De Bethune into a truly singular brand. I will continue the journey with a focus on strengthening our in-house expertise, passing on our know how, and staying true to our mission: to innovate, to create, and to inspire.”  

Justin Reis, Executive Chairman, added: “This transition is guided by a shared sense of trust and continuity. We are grateful to Pierre for remaining Honorary President to support this next chapter, working alongside Denis and the team to ensure the De Bethune constellation continues to shine. Representing the majority shareholder, we are excited for the brand’s future and remain deeply invested and committed to Denis and De Bethune’s long term success. The future has never been brighter for De Bethune.”