Former IWC CEO Michael Sarp has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Swiss watch manufacturer Armin Strom AG. His previous activities have included managing various exclusive brand-name companies in the luxury goods market. Sarp also served as Chairman of the Executive Board at the Swatch Group Germany.
He oversaw IWC during the late 1990s, leaving the company in 2001, shortly after Gunter Blumlein’s death. Sarp helped lay the foundation for IWC’s long-term success. The Caliber 5000 in-house movement was introduced during his tenure in 2000, and he was responsible for IWC’s successful “Since 1868, and for as long as there are men” advertising campaign.
Since 2003, Sarp has been CEO of v. Nordeck International Holding AG, to which the Swiss brands Zimmerli textiles and Fritschi alpine touring bindings belong.
Serge Michel remains the CEO of Armin Strom. He has been at this post since 2008. The two men will work together to continue building the manufacture and the brand.
