Bernard Fornas
Former Co-Chief Executive, Richemont
As one of the most esteemed executives in the industry, he oversaw Richemont's fashion portfolio of Chloé, Alaïa and Dunhill.
Former Richemont co-chief executive Bernard Fornas was one of the most experienced executives in the watch and jewellery market, and is highly respected throughout the luxury industry. He announced his retirement in March 2016, but continues serving on the company's board of directors as a non-executive member.
Fornas oversaw all the brands under Richemont’s umbrella, following chairman Johan Rupert’s sabbatical. He ran the Swiss conglomerate with two other co-chief executives, Richard Lepeu and Gary Saage, in charge of logistics and finances respectively. He is also a member of the group’s management committee.
To date, Fornas’ greatest achievement is his positioning of Cartier in emerging markets. The cash cow of Richemont, Cartier has become the primary beneficiary of China’s emergence as an important luxury watch market. Fornas was responsible for overseeing Cartier’s geographical expansion and growth strategy. In Rupert's words, “Cartier has thrived and is now exceptionally well positioned as the world’s pre-eminent international jewellery maison, no small measure to the commitment, enthusiasm and hard work of Bernard.” Fornas was chief executive of Cartier for over a decade.
Fornas graduated from Lyon Business School and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Career History
VITAL STATISTICS
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Inside Richemont’s Leadership Crisis
An unconventional management structure, combined with serious ongoing business challenges, has upset senior ranks at the Swiss luxury conglomerate.
Inside Richemont’s Leadership Crisis
An unconventional management structure, combined with serious ongoing business challenges, has upset senior ranks at the Swiss luxury conglomerate.
Dusting Off Cartier on Fifth Avenue and Beyond
Cartier chief executive Cyrille Vigneron discusses his vision for the world-famous jeweller, starting with the re-opening of its historic New York mansion.
Dusting Off Cartier on Fifth Avenue and Beyond
Cartier chief executive Cyrille Vigneron discusses his vision for the world-famous jeweller, starting with the re-opening of its historic New York mansion.
Richemont Sees Challenging Market After April Sales Plunge
Richemont, the maker of Cartier jewelry and IWC Schaffhausen timepieces, forecast a difficult first half after sales plunged 18 percent in April.
Richemont Sees Challenging Market After April Sales Plunge
Richemont, the maker of Cartier jewelry and IWC Schaffhausen timepieces, forecast a difficult first half after sales plunged 18 percent in April.
Power Moves | Justin O'Shea to Brioni, Richemont Co-CEO Retires, Nike Hires Dave Dombrow
LONDON, United Kingdom — BoF compiles the most important professional moves of the week.
Power Moves | Justin O'Shea to Brioni, Richemont Co-CEO Retires, Nike Hires Dave Dombrow
LONDON, United Kingdom — BoF compiles the most important professional moves of the week.
Richemont Co-CEO Fornas to Retire as Cartier Cuts Jobs
Richemont's co-chief executive officer Bernard Fornas will retire as the jewellery maker is in the midst of a job-cut plan at its top watchmaking brands, including Cartier, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget.
Richemont Co-CEO Fornas to Retire as Cartier Cuts Jobs
Richemont's co-chief executive officer Bernard Fornas will retire as the jewellery maker is in the midst of a job-cut plan at its top watchmaking brands, including Cartier, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget.
Richemont CEOs Are Top-Paid Europe Executives After VW Boss
Richemont co-chief executive officers Richard Lepeu and Bernard Fornas are catching up with Volkswagen AG’s Martin Winterkorn as the top-paid executives in Europe, according to a study by HKP.
Richemont CEOs Are Top-Paid Europe Executives After VW Boss
Richemont co-chief executive officers Richard Lepeu and Bernard Fornas are catching up with Volkswagen AG’s Martin Winterkorn as the top-paid executives in Europe, according to a study by HKP.
Richemont Chairman Takes a Break to See Who's The (Next) Boss
ZURICH, Switzerland — Richemont boss Johann Rupert has promised to switch off his phone when he takes a break from the company in September.
Richemont Chairman Takes a Break to See Who's The (Next) Boss
ZURICH, Switzerland — Richemont boss Johann Rupert has promised to switch off his phone when he takes a break from the company in September.
Fabrizio Cardinali Appointed Dunhill CEO, as Change Continues at Richemont
LONDON, United Kingdom — Fabrizio Cardinali will take over from Eraldo Poletto as CEO of Dunhill on June 1. Prior to his appointment, Cardinali was
Fabrizio Cardinali Appointed Dunhill CEO, as Change Continues at Richemont
LONDON, United Kingdom — Fabrizio Cardinali will take over from Eraldo Poletto as CEO of Dunhill on June 1. Prior to his appointment, Cardinali was
Is Fashion Just an Accessory at Richemont?
ZURICH, Switzerland — For luxury-goods maker Richemont, clothing and bags are going out of fashion. While Richemont last week reported a 30 percent
Is Fashion Just an Accessory at Richemont?
ZURICH, Switzerland — For luxury-goods maker Richemont, clothing and bags are going out of fashion. While Richemont last week reported a 30 percent
Richemont Chairman to Take Year Off as Growth Picks Up
ZURICH, Switzerland — Richemont 's chairman and founder Johann Rupert is to take a year off from September, leaving management of the world's
Richemont Chairman to Take Year Off as Growth Picks Up
ZURICH, Switzerland — Richemont 's chairman and founder Johann Rupert is to take a year off from September, leaving management of the world's
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