IWC Schaffhausen

The blog of IWC Schaffhausen Careers. 

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Success Story - Sandra and Paolo

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Success Story - Elisabeth

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Success Story - Jovana

«With IWC, I feel a sense of home. Even at the vocational school, I always said that I would like to work at IWC one day. I've now been with the company for 8 years and I'm looking forward to many more.»

My name is Jovana Coric. I am 28 years old, born in Schaffhausen and grew up in Neuhausen am Rheinfall. My roots are Balkan, my parents come from Republika Srpska (Bosnia Herzegovina). After secondary school, I completed a three-year apprenticeship as a vocational training in retailing EFZ at Müller Beck AG in Schaffhausen. Before I came to IWC, I worked for four months at Post AG as a parcel delivery employee.

I am responsible for the watch planning area and lead a team of three employees. In addition to my duties, I still have the freedom to shape the department in such a way that I can develop further together with my team. We have a lot of ideas, there will be projects and changes, while at the same time we ensure that the day-to-day business runs smoothly.

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Success Story - Daniel

«Being involved in the realization of projects with such large scale, high complexity and global impact made me realize the importance of teamwork, commitment and perseverance in achieving the best possible result - I believe that all of those values are deeply rooted within the DNA of IWC.»

My name is Daniel and I was born and raised in Lucerne. Growing up in a city where tourism, hospitality and watchmaking are omnipresent brought a strong awareness of these three industries, which developed into a deeper fascination over the years. For this reason, I decided to pursue a higher degree in International Hospitality Management at the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne (EHL).

Due to my interest in the watch industry and IWC specifically as a brand, I applied for an internship in trade marketing and joined the company in October 2015. My duties included assisting with the organization of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie de Genève (SIHH - now Watches & Wonders) 2016, which allowed me to combine my interest and experience in hospitality with the world of watchmaking. After the successful launch of the Pilot's Collection 2016, I was given the opportunity to take on the role of Project Manager Fairs and Exhibitions, which involved managing the development and organization of the SIHH booth (now called Watches&Wonders) and coordinating IWC's global exhibition program. During almost 3 years I pursued this position and was able to contribute to the campaign launches of Da Vinci 2017, 150 Years 2018, and Silver Spitfire 2019.

After the launch of the Silver Spitfire campaign and the Pilot's Collection 2019, it was time to take on a new challenge. I moved from Trade Marketing to Corporate Communications, initially starting as Team Lead Guest Relations and later becoming the Global Events Team Lead over the course of the year. During my time in Corporate Communications, I was involved in coordinating and continuously developing manufacture tours and organized physical, digital and hybrid events, including the movie production and launch event of the Top Gun SFTI, which was one of my personal highlights. These projects brought me a lot closer to IWC’s clients, the industry’s press and various IWC stakeholder, which contribute to IWC’s brand awareness. Thus, I became aware of the importance of quality and authenticity in brand communication, while gaining my first experience in a leadership position. As a result of my achieved knowledge in building client experiences, I was able to change once again in August 2021 and take on my current role as Senior Project Manager for Flagship Boutique Experience.

With our team, we are working towards the ambitious goal of creating unique retail experiences that exceed customer expectations and define new industry standards. As a recent result, we successfully opened our new flagship boutique in Dubai Mall on 25th of March 2022, a project I am personally very proud of. Over the past six years, I have repeatedly realized and appreciated how IWC continuously drives the development and empowerment of its young generation with much responsibility, trust and vision.

Daniel Borer | Senior Project Manager Flagship BTQ Experience

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Success Story - Rachel

“IWC led me to this incredible journey, moving across countries in various positions, gaining valuable experience and skills along the way. Over the years, I have always felt appreciated by my supervisors and work colleagues as I work with people who are passionate, supportive, and respectful to each other.”

My name is Rachel, I was born in Philadelphia to Taiwanese parents. I have studied and worked in the US, Taiwan, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and recently moved to Switzerland. As a student, I always had a strong interest in fashion and luxury goods but was unable to enroll in the design school of my choice and instead studied Japanese culture and literature, which also fascinates me. Out of passion, I went on to complete a master’s in International Fashion Business at Nottingham Trent University. After graduating, I applied to work in the Women´s Fashion department at Harrods London but was pleasantly surprised to be offered a position in the A. Lange & Söhne Boutique as a Sales Consultant. Through this experience I gained a good knowledge of watchmaking and fell in love with mechanical watches ever since then. Nine months later, I joined Watches of Switzerland on Oxford Street as Chinese Business Manager, driving the Chinese business by promoting the store and products to the local Chinese community and recruiting/retaining Chinese customers and tour guides.

In December 2013, I joined IWC as a Boutique Manager of Marina Bay Sands Singapore. In this position, I learned so much about running a business that it helped me build a solid foundation for other future positions. In 2016, I took on a new challenge by moving to Hong Kong as Area Boutique Manager, managing the boutiques on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, as well as supporting some retail office duties. The experience of managing 6 boutiques in different countries, including the Hong Kong Flagship 1881 Heritage, is very valuable as each boutique has a different environment and customer profile. In 2019, I was further promoted to Retail Operations Manager and then Retail Manager of Hong Kong and Macau. The most difficult times in retail came during these years, with the social unrest in Hong Kong, followed by COVID. I was involved in various projects such as opening, closing and relocating boutiques, launching new pop-up concepts and retail tools, and many exciting activations and events.

In my current position as Retail Operations Manager APAC, I monitor closely performance, commercial development of retail tools and develop actions plans with markets to achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Furthermore, I act as the main Point of Contact (POC) at the Headquarters for retail topics, operation guidelines and retail HR related topics in my responsible region.      

Throughout the years, I have always felt valued by my managers and work colleagues who showed me that my opinions mattered. Moreover, I received many trainings and felt excited and proud at each new launch and event. All in all, I feel very lucky to be able to work in a company like IWC.

Rachel Lo | Retail Operations Manager APAC

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Success Story - Alexandra

“IWC is not only officially a «Great Place To Work» for me, but a great employer on all levels. Above all, the Corporate Trainee is one of the best programs at IWC in my opinion, because it helped me to develop both professionally and personally. Particularly helpful during this time was the support from all departments and employees, as well as the varied and exciting training sessions.”

Hello, my name is Alex and I come from a small Bavarian village near Munich. I studied International Marketing in Barcelona for my master’s degree and learned to love Spanish tapas there. After that, I moved to a much colder, but just as beautiful city - the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. There I worked for two years as Marketing Manager for the company Stage Entertainment, where I was responsible for the 360° marketing of the musicals The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Anastasia, and Bodyguard.

In October 2019, I started as a Corporate Trainee and have been a proud member of the IWC family ever since. At that time, I got a comprehensive insight into the Retail, Product Marketing Technics, Digital, HR, and Controlling departments at the Headquarters. I also got to spend a rotation with the MEIA market in Dubai, which perfectly rounded out my holistic understanding of the company. These three months per department had a great impact on me and even today I am very grateful to my supervisors Robin, Walter, Katharina, Julia, Stefan, and Gregory for everything I learned during this time.

Since April 2021 I am Global Marketing Campaigns Manager, and I couldn't be happier in this position. I get to coordinate our global marketing campaigns and implement them together with the marketing departments. The exciting part is the 360° orchestration and how we implement it in the markets. I particularly enjoy working with my valued colleagues on this. The new Campaign Orchestration Workforce (COW) process, which I launched in October 2021, has greatly simplified the communications process, and it's fun to see how we in marketing function as one when it comes to a global campaign.

IWC is a great employer for me on every level, and I especially appreciate the personal interaction among colleagues. People help each other out and pull together, always with the same goal in mind. At IWC, we are not only incredibly agile and know how to adapt quickly to every new situation and challenge, but we also find the best and most creative solution for it at the same time. I couldn't be prouder to work for such an outstanding brand.

Alexandra Marahrens | Global Marketing Campaigns Manager

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Success Story - Emily

“IWC is a brand that is never afraid of giving responsibility to the younger generations and truly commit in their career development. I was always given great responsibility and trust from the team which allowed me to grow and develop within my career.”

My name is Emily Bridgman, I was born in Whitchurch in England and grew up travelling the world. After following my family across the world to Paris, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Seoul, I ended up as an expat in Switzerland. Before then starting my university studies back in the UK at the University of Surrey in International Hospitality Management.

In the first 3 years of my career, I worked as an hourly wedding staff member before being promoted to a team lead alongside my studies. I then took up a 1-year internship at the Hilton EMEA Head Office in Watford as the President’s Office Intern EMEA. Although my main task was to assist the President executive assistant, I was able to undertake projects across the business in E-Commerce, Sales, and Public Relations. In October 2018, I joined IWC within the CRM team which meant a heavy focus on Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH - today known as Watches & Wonders), and I was given the opportunity to lead management of 226 top global end clients. After the end of my 6-month contract, in March 2019, I became Junior Project Manager Client Experience for 1 year. In the 1.5 years that I was on the customer experience team, I have consistently been awarded huge responsibility and the team has given me a lot of trust, allowing me to grow in my career.

In June 2020, I took on the permanent role of Project Manager Events & Guest Relations within the Marketing Department. Although COVID had come into play, IWC decided to become the first brand to develop its own personalised virtual tour. In August 2021, I took over as Team Lead Guest Relations, managing a wonderful team of driven Ambassadors and Project Managers with the slogan “Kunde ist Kunig”. Regardless of which guest walks through the doors of our IWC Museum or our Manufacture Center, we always want to give them the best IWC experience and connect them with our brand. In this new role, I oversee all projects within the team which also includes establishing analytics and data management for the department.

As you can see from my development at IWC, it' s a company that is always willing to empower the younger generation and genuinely support their professional development. Whether through the training opportunities offered by IWC, the various opportunities within the brand or the different management styles, my professional development has always been supported. Throughout my life the longest time I have spent in one place was 6 years, and I look forward to surpassing this in Switzerland and with IWC.

Emily Bridgman | Team Lead Guest Relations

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Success Story - Gloria

“I always enjoy telling others about my love story with IWC and my exciting journey within the company. It fills me with pride and joy to tell someone that I work for IWC. The beauty of our products and the values of our brand fascinate me, whereas the passion and commitment of my coworkers always inspire me.”

My name is Gloria Guo Cong and I am from mainland China. The luxury business has always been of great interest and passion to me. Therefore, right after my internship in a five-star hotel in Dubai, I worked for Emaar Malls Group as a customer service representative in the world's largest mall. This experience provided me with a tremendous foundation to develop my communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Later, I was fortunate to join Hermes Flagship Boutique in Dubai as a sale representative, which gave me a solid basis and helped develop my people skills further.

In May 2015, I joined IWC Schaffhausen in Dubai, where I worked as a client advisor in the Dubai Mall Boutique.  At first, I was completely new to watches, but I received a lot of training and great support from my diverse colleagues and my supervisor. As a result, I was promoted to senior client advisor in May 2017 and continued to master my knowledge in the field of watches.

In May 2018, I accepted a new challenge as Assistant Boutique Manager at IWC Schaffhausen Abu Dhabi Galleria Boutique. In a new environment and in a new role, you never really know what to expect. However, I was supported by our Regional Director, the Retail Manager, and my Boutique Manager, which allowed me to continuously develop and work with a dedicated team.

Currently, I am the International Retail Trainer for the Eastern countries and MEAI region at headquarters in Schaffhausen in CXE department. Together with the boutique management from different markets, my main task is to identify training needs and translate them into training offers. Furthermore, I advise on the best possible learning content and methods. Usually, I also travel to different countries to conduct coaching sessions in the boutiques. Since July 2021, I also supervise the Watch Live mobile learning project at IWC and create digital training content at the headquarters. IWC has given me the chance to participate in various significant trainings around the world. These opportunities allowed me to always progress and further establish my knowledge and expertise in training and people skills.

IWC and my Client Experience team always supported my growth and still provide opportunities for me to evolve both personally and professionally. IWC has offered me possibilities far beyond my imagination and enabled me to thrive within the company and aim to inspire others.

Gloria Guo Cong I International Retail Trainer

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Success Story - Niclas

“IWC as an employer offers the benefits of a mid-tier-sized company when it comes to short ways of communication and personal exchange. On the other side, we can enjoy the advantages of a big corporation which extends the horizon in terms of training and opportunities from Richemont. And all this besides the most beautiful products, with which I can identify myself perfectly. However, in the end, it is the people around us who bring us joy and turn colleagues into friends!”

I grew up on the tiny, yet very picturesque Island of Reichenau on Lake Constance in Germany, which is located 40 km from Schaffhausen. Later on, I pursued my studies in Business Administration and Engineering with a focus in International Management, in a small city near the automotive capital Stuttgart. The region's ambiance convinced me to enter the corporate world as a trainee in Porsche's project management department for new series and afterward by conducting another six months traineeship in their regional office in Singapore, where I supported the firm's Asia Pacific Sales Department. I highly enjoyed mastering my two internships with the world-famous brand alongside my studies, as it added practical elements and most importantly an abundance of joy.

My first professional encounter with IWC Schaffhausen took place while I was a member of the universities Formula Student Team, a small-scale F1 competition for students, where IWC was a potential sponsor. Eventually, I joined the company in 2016 as a Product Planning Analyst, where I was responsible for the coordination between our headquarters in Schaffhausen and 19 independent sales regions across the globe for all product-related inquiries. My tasks included rolling forecasting, market analysis, and several projects to improve the prediction of the success of our products and the optimization of several elements in our supply chain.

After three years in Schaffhausen, the opportunity arose to support our MEIA office in Dubai, as an Operations Manager. My team and I are responsible for strategic planning, market coordination in retail as well as wholesale, price positioning, and customer service. Our region has proven itself to be particularly challenging as it includes 13 countries stretching from India, over the Middle East to the entire continent of Africa.

The collaboration with my diverse team, the contact with our end customers, and the amazing view from our office in Downtown Dubai are among the many perks of my role.

Since the beginning of my career, I experienced a high level of trust which resulted quickly in increased responsibility. The combination of personal flexibility and the support from IWC to go abroad made it all happen.

Niclas Bader | OPERATIONS MANAGER DUBAI

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Success Story - Vicky

“IWC has the culture and the ability to recognize agility and invest in its employees. Our Headquarter also entrusts and empowers us to conduct projects like the aforementioned, where we can leverage our knowledge of the local market. IWC is dynamic and ever-changing, and most importantly, there is never a dull day! I am proud to be part of the IWC family and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

My name is Vicky, and I was born in Hong Kong. As I am more creative than academic I have decided to pursue my studies in product design at Central Saint Martins in London.

I have always had an interest and passion in watches, mainly influenced by my mother and by growing up in Hong Kong, due to the cities mature watch market with shops and advertisements on every corner. For me, luxury watch brands are the ultimate combination of engineering, design, and storytelling. This combination creates this enthralling and captivating world that I have always wanted to be part of.

After university, I joined 3M as a packaging engineer. However, when I was approached by a British watch brand called Rotary Watches, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. 2.5 years later, I decided to move back to Hong Kong, and it was clear to me that I would only want to work in the watch industry.

My journey at IWC Hong Kong has been an unconventional one. I joined as a Senior Trade Marketing Executive in 2015, where my main focus was visual merchandising and exhibitions. After a year in Trade Marketing, I was asked if I would be interested in joining the digital team. Knowing that this was the future and thankful to be given the opportunity to learn something new, I was thrilled and accepted the offer. Customer Relationship Management came after as we became more client-centric, focusing on analyzing data and targeting our customers increasingly on digital platforms.

The next change to sales and operations was the hardest step for me as I was used to spending money, and from there I suddenly had to learn how to earn it. The language, the commercial thinking, learning how to deal with retailers, and the excel sheets were particularly challenging! However, after a lot of late nights and hard work, I gradually picked it up, and it was rewarding to gain a deeper understanding of how our business works.

My current position as Marketing and Communication Director came about with the HAUS project. HAUS is a concept store we operate in partnership with Mercedes Benz and Tatler Dining, located in Central, a district on Hong Kong Island. It is an amalgamation of commercial retail, marketing, and immersive dining. Anyone with an IWC or a car from Mercedes Benz can become a member of HAUS and participate in our curated lifestyle events. It is a discovery touchpoint for new clients, the purchase decision can and may happen anywhere, but they would start their journey with IWC at HAUS. It is a whole different mindset of working, as it is a collaborative space with various partners in a constantly changing and very dynamic environment.

I am beyond lucky to have joined a company like IWC because I was given numerous opportunities to explore my career in various fields. It is safe to say that my career path is not conventional, but it has brought me so much exposure and allowed me to work with various personalities.

Vicky Fong | MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

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Success Story - Mai

“You never get bored at IWC, and I highly appreciate my colleagues and their support in mastering the new challenges ahead of us. At IWC, I feel that I am part of a transformation, making my job even more enjoyable.”

I am Mai Takagi, and I was born and raised in Tokyo. I started my career working as a producer of advertisement photography, where I acquired experience in project management. After four exciting years in this field, I moved to London for a year to study Fashion Media & Communication, hoping to step into the world of luxury.

In 2013, I landed at IWC as I started to work as a marketing and communication coordinator. My previous international experience in London, as well as my time in California, where I went on exchange during my studies, helped me a lot in terms of conducting work with different counterparts. During my time as a marketing and communication coordinator, I highly enjoyed the exposure to several stakeholders, such as the media and suppliers. Moreover, I appreciated the internal collaboration with our headquarter in Switzerland, IWC Japan, and other Richemont Japan support functions. Afterward, my role shifted to Trade Marketing & Client Experience Expert and later on I got promoted to Assistant Manager. CX was new at the time, and I am still learning every day. However, this new client-centric approach has changed how I see and master projects.

My retail journey began during the first boutique opening in Japan, as I was involved in the in-store planning, VMD, and operations. Since then, I have become involved in customer experiences at the boutiques, including customer treatment and the relating internal training. In summer 2021, I received a promotion and became a Retail Manager. In this position, my responsibilities include the management of internal boutiques and CX. I am very thankful for this position and excited to lead and support the team. Together we will become even more successful as we apply a holistic approach while keeping the people at the company’s core.

Moreover, I will use my background in marketing and strengthen the collaboration between the departments of Retail and Marketing and Communications. IWC has offered me great opportunities to learn and develop myself. However, I firmly believe that our open culture is the key to our continuous success, as I never feel hesitant to ask while I learn from my inspirational colleagues.

I was also lucky to be a member of Richemont Japan’s Shadow Regional Committee throughout my career, where I worked together with other millennial members from other Maison’s and functions within Richemont Japan to make proposals for the company. This further helped me to widen my horizon.

MAI TAKAGI -  Retail Manager –Internal Bouitques & CX

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Cindy’s WHY

“Coming from Singapore, a society where each race is encouraged to preserve its unique culture and traditions, and appreciate and respect that of others, I grew up thinking that such a harmonious and multi-racial environment was norm everywhere. Obviously, I have come to realize this is not the case, and that it goes beyond just race – it also encompasses culture and ethnicity. I am inspired to spread the word of diversity and inclusion wherever I can and to convince whoever I can that it is just not the current buzzword or topic in the corporate world. As member of IWC´s D&I council, I believe that our differences do not divide us. What I hope to achieve is for us all to recognize, embrace and celebrate each and every one’s uniqueness, as it is through this unity that we can be stronger and better.”

CINDY SIM - Marketing Director, Southeast Asia (Singapore)

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Success Story - Cindy

“It always gives me much pride and pleasure to tell someone that I work for IWC, as the responses are always positive. IWC has given me opportunities far beyond my imagination and allowed me to meet colleagues from all over the globe of whom several have become friends.”

My name is Cindy Sim and I am a Singaporean Chinese, born and raised on the sunny shores of Singapore. I initially embarked on studying engineering studies before making a switch to communication studies when I realized engineering math wasn’t my thing and I definitely have a better flair for writing. I studied mostly in Singapore and completed my academic life with a post graduate degree, majoring in Marketing, at the University of Melbourne in Australia. My first job, post-graduation, was with a boutique PR agency, where I further honed my PR skills in terms of writing and pitching. But my foray into the hedonistic world of luxury products was cemented when I started a PR and Events role with Gucci, where I was exposed, not only to the finicky fashion industry, but also, to the real demands of luxury marketing. After Gucci, I did a short stint with a local car distributor, marketing Subaru cars, which was great but when IWC came knocking, I knew I had to make a switch. Even though I barely understood the intricacies of watchmaking. I didn’t even know what a tourbillon was!

I started with the IWC Southeast Asia team in early 2012, as a regional PR Manager, and since then, have been on a fantastic journey. We all know very well, there is never a dull day at IWC! Being the PR representative for the brand in the SEA region meant I had to do a crash course in the brand as well as watchmaking from day one. It felt like I was back in school again, ploughing through pages of information and details. It remains fascinating to me till this day, and I still get excited to read about our new products and the technological intricacies the brand is always bringing forth. Presenting the brand and products to the regional media as the incumbent PR representative is always enjoyable as IWC has so much storytelling, in terms of brand legacy, products and partnerships. It always gave me much pride to be part of the brand, as our activations and partnerships are always meaningful.

In 2015, I made a lateral transition as PR & Communications Manager, adding the management of advertising, digital and social media to my portfolio. The role was pivotal in the marketing communications spectrum, and it only made perfect sense to have a bird’s eye view over the entire communications strategy for the brand, to ensure impactful and uniform messaging across possible mediums.

I was offered the Marketing Director opportunity in 2017. This was, by far, the biggest challenge in my career, as I was only spciualized in communications previously, with basic knowledge of other marketing functions. Armed with tenacity and a bit of blind faith, I took the bull by the horns and embarked on a new chapter which I am still writing till today.

As the Marketing Director for IWC in the Southeast Asia region, I oversee the full marketing and communications spectrum, including Customer Experience / CRM and Trade Marketing. Four years on, together with the Southeast Asia team, we’ve achieved several best practice worthy activations such as successful product launches, exemplary customer experience initiatives and launching IWC’s first virtual boutique amidst the pandemic.

2021 marks my 9th year with IWC, and I often get asked why I have stayed so long with a single brand. It always gives me much pride and pleasure to tell someone that I work for IWC, as the responses are always positive. IWC has given me opportunities far beyond my imagination, and, allowed me to meet colleagues from all over the globe of whom several have become friends. Like I have said before, there is never a dull day at IWC. The trick is to keep trucking, and most of all, to keep the faith.

CINDY SIM - Marketing Director, Southeast Asia (Singapore)

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Alex’s WHY

„As a member of the DE&I council, I hope to encourage an open mindset towards colleagues with restricted mobility and further integrate a new program for handicapped people in order to include these underprivileged people of our society. Growing up with a handicapped sister made me realize very early that a person with special needs is being looked at differently but sometimes that is all that happens – a look and no action. It made me upset when I didn't get help from others when pushing her in her wheelchair up the stairs and people around me would stare but not act. Therefore, I decided to act and I became part of the IWC DE&I council to hopefully create more awareness for such a crucial topic. Being handicapped can also mean that you are not restricted physically but mentally and it might not be visible for others on first sight. That’s why it is even more important to pay attention to our colleagues and be sensitive about it. I truly believe that it will impact us positively as a company and also as a society, if we look out for each other more and help each other – especially when we are in need.”

ALEXANDRA CLAESSENS - Global Marketing Campaigns Manager

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Success Story - Tim

“IWC has become a constant part of my life. When I travel privately, I always check out if there is a boutique in town, which I then visit immediately. It makes me feel like I'm in Schaffhausen and I see the people and the work that gets implemented in the product.”

My name is Tim Felix and I am from Frauenfeld, which is located 30km away from Schaffhausen. In 2008, as a 13-year-old, I came across a report about the Grande Complication from IWC Schaffhausen. Since then, my only career aspiration was to become a watchmaker at IWC Schaffhausen. In 2012, this dream became a reality and I spent four years of intensive training to become a watchmaker. After graduating as watchmaker specializing in industrial methods in 2016, I was able to deepen my acquired knowledge and learn new things in the department of the calibre 69. When I joined the watch assembly, the calibre 69 was still in its infancy. Looking back today at my early days in the watch assembly and now seeing how the factory has evolved, I am very proud to have played my part in the success of this development.

In August 2019, the position for Quality Coordinator / Deputy Dept. Manager Final Inspection was advertised. I did not hesitate and applied for this position. In my current position as Quality Coordinator / Deputy Dept. Manager Final Inspection, I work closely with our watches but also in process optimisation topics, which both are very appealing fields to me. As this new position also involved new tasks for me, I was introduced to various topics and was allowed to attend courses on the subject of Lean and Leadership. I can now put the knowledge I gained in these trainings directly into practice.

On some Saturdays I work in the IWC Museum and answer questions of visitors and I am always happy when I can inspire them. A special memory of my museum duty was a guest who identified himself as an airline pilot and bought a TOP GUN chronograph after his visit. Two weeks later I received a letter in the department with a card which included photos of his new watch in the cockpit of an aircraft. I burn for stories like this and I am happy about every one that has added to my experience. Every IWC watch will experience a story on the wrist of its wearer and be a loyal companion.

TIM FELIX - Quality Coordinator / Deputy Department Manager Final Inspection

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Candy’s WHY

“As a first-generation Brit born to Chinese parents, I grew up with a mixed cultural identity. Looking back, it was confusing at times, but I consider myself very fortunate to have experienced different cultures at a young age and learn to respect their differences as well. Having moved to Asia and in an interracial marriage, I am keenly aware that there is still a huge gap in embracing cultural diversity and acceptance. With my own experiences as well as listening to stories close to my heart of stereotypical notions, discrimination and microaggressions, it has really defined me personally and professionally.

I am proud of the work that the IWC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion council is embarking upon and stand ready to contribute even in small ways to set up on the right direction. As a council member, I hope to place positive values, embrace different perspectives and eradicate issues that hinders this. It may only be small steps for now and it’s a long ongoing journey, but together, I believe we can achieve something meaningful.”

CANDY LAI - Assistant Digital Manager, IWC Hong Kong

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Manuel’s WHY

Kindness is invincible, but only when it´s sincere, with no hypocrisy or faking. For what can even the most malicious person do if you keep showing kindness and, if given the chance, you gently point out where they went wrong – right as they are trying to harm you – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.18.5.9a

“Mankind has changed in many ways, yet in some principles, it has not. My purpose to actively engage in diversity and inclusion topics in my private and work environment began early at home, growing up as a child of a Korean mother and a German father.

Being privileged to travel at a young age to many different countries in the world, made me experience and enjoy many cultures and ethnicities at an early age.  As a millennial in Europe, it almost seems natural to me to appreciate freedom of speech, travel and laws that protect its people.

However, the uneven spread of education, empathy and kindness has been increasingly troubling to me over the last years. Although many countries and companies have now set a framework for their diversity and inclusion programs, it is the duty of everyone to fill them with life.

And in the luxury industry I strongly believe, we not only strive for the ultimate perfection in our product, but also the best for employees to achieve our ambitious targets. My aspiration as a D&I council member at IWC Schaffhausen is to work intensively on facing fears and concerns with empathy and kindness. We at Richemont have understood that diversity and inclusion not only raise the overall education and efficiency, but also drive us to innovation and new business opportunities. We are working hard on achieving gender equality in salaries, visible role models and a true leadership commitment for successful implementation.

On top of it, we can leverage the admiration brought towards our savoir-faire, to act responsibly in all dimensions (supply chain, environmental, social and community) and to lead by example. After all, it is on us how we want to shape the future for our future generations.”

MANUEL ENGL - Area Sales Manager