Christie’s, Messika Name New Leaders in Watch and Jewelry Businesses

By JCK News Desk | September 08, 2026

Two luxury industry companies have made executive leadership changes, with Christie’s appointing a new global head for its watch business and Messika naming a new chief executive for the Americas region.

Christie’s promoted Remi Guillemin (pictured, left) to global head of watches, a newly structured role based in Geneva. According to the auction house, Guillemin will oversee its watch business across both auctions and private sales, leading a team of specialists and working with collectors and consignors globally.

Guillemin has spent more than a decade at Christie’s and most recently served as head of watches for the Americas and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company credited him with leading a series of notable watch sales, including record-setting auction results in New York.

The appointment comes as Christie’s reported continued growth in its watch business. According to the company, worldwide watch sales increased 39% year over year in the first half of 2026, while major auctions in Geneva and Hong Kong established several category records.

Christie’s also announced promotions for Alexandre Bigler, Harmmond Wong, and Cissy Ngan within its global watch team. Bigler, who was promoted to senior vice president and senior international specialist, is taking on a new role supporting broader efforts across auction and private sales. Wong was promoted to vice president and head of department, Asia Pacific, while Ngan was promoted to vice president and senior specialist, Asia Pacific.

Meanwhile, Paris-based jewelry house Messika has appointed Arnaud Michon (pictured, right) as president and CEO of the Americas, effective Sept. 1. He will oversee expansion efforts across the Americas, including retail development, distribution, and organizational growth.

Michon joins after more than 12 years with Swatch Group, including serving as president of Omega USA. He also spent nine years at Cartier and three years at Chaumet, giving him experience in both the jewelry and watch sectors.

Messika said Michon’s appointment underscores the importance of the Americas market to its growth strategy. It expects the region to become a central pillar of its global development as it continues to expand its presence in luxury jewelry.

The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was then reviewed by staff writer David Blomquist.

(Top: Guillemin, photo courtesy of Christie’s; Michon, photo courtesy of Messika)