Pierre Yves Thonney

Senior Executive in Consumer and Luxury goods, Advisor, Expert in international business development

Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

About

I am an international Swiss citizen with over 25 years of experience in cross-border trade and brand business development. I managed small and huge teams with leadership, first in the fashion business, later in a small company, then with SWATCH, where I have been responsible for the Swiss market to culminate with the worldwide responsibility of the subsidiaries and agents, above 650 people to lead and motivate and yearly 750 mio turnover, with direct reporting to the Chairman. Having decided to change paradigm, I initiated a pioneering development for an American watch company, Geneva Watch Group, beginning from the scratch in term of presence within the IMEEA region to cover it finally entirely. I have also been involved within the search of new licenses and investors, the change of ownership and a merge of commercial activities. I have my own company, PI Brands Consulting & Distribution, for more than 15 years and we successfully fulfilled multiple mandates over the years. I am fluent in 3 languages, know 2 others and, of course, used to play in an Apple or PC environment with all Microsoft Team tools, Filemaker, CRM, ... I enjoy horse riding, mountain biking, sailing and skiing.

Experience

  • Founder and Owner at PI Brands Consulting & Distribution (PIBCD)
    2006 - Present · 20 yrs 7 mos

    Various mandates ( Interactive Communication Group, Geneva Watch Group, Orphelia, Swissicons, Akteo, Escape, US Polo, Brosway, Red Luxury, Jowissa … )

  • Head of International Sales at Jowissa
    Nov 2018 - Jun 2024 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    1) Developing brand and company strategy with owning family 2) Overall responsibility for the International business representing 60% of company business 3) Development of E – com 4)Organization of trade fairs 5) Responsible for marketing international activities and support tools 5) Responsible for International Pricing 6) Lead of a small team of agents and employees 7) Giving interviews

  • Vice President IMEEA at Geneva Watch Group
    Feb 2007 - Dec 2016 · 9 yrs 11 mos

    1) Creation and implementation of a new entity 2) Overall responsibility for Geneva Watch Group Brands for IMEEA including all operational issue 3) Research of new distributors in the countries and launch of the Brands 4) Set up of a branch in Switzerland 5) Research of new licenses 6) Part of the process of finding new investors 7) Integration

  • Swatch (6 yrs 5 mos)
    • VP Sales
      Jun 2002 - Jan 2006 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      1) As Member of the management Board, to drive the sales strategy in line with the global brand strategy 2) Overall responsibility for Swatch Worldwide budget ( determining and reaching sales budget and operating income ) 3) Develop the distribution network and the retail activities 4) Set up of the pricing and margin policy around the world in coordination with the finance department 5) Manage direct marketing expenses of 25 subsidiaries ( in cooperation with the marketing department ) and 40 distributors 6) Lead Sales Department (6 managers, 11 employees) and Brand Managers in the country organizations ( 25 managers ) 7) Regular trips to markets to develop local strategies and control implementation 8) Direct Sales

    • Managing Director Swiss Market
      Sep 1999 - Jun 2002 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      1) Responsibility of defining and reaching the sales budget, generating the required operating income, optimizing the use of marketing budget and minimizing the stock level 2) Establishment and realization of the business plan in accordance with HQ requirement 3) Lead and management of a structure of around 40 employees.

  • Regional Sales Manager at Swatch Ltd.
    1997 - 1999 · 2 yrs