Watchfinder appoints former Rakuten exec as CEO

Former Rakuten executive Arjen van de Vall has joined pre-owned watch specialist Watchfinder as its new CEO. 

Taking over from the brand’s co-founder Matt Bowling, who has been interim CEO for the last year, van de Vall will oversee business operations and support the continued growth of the business.

“He brings a wealth of digital expertise into the group and, more specifically, Watchfinder,” said Jerome Lambert, CEO at Richemont. “Arjen’s international experience will be instrumental in guiding the continued evolution and expansion of Watchfinder and further untapping its tremendous potential.”

Prior to Watchfinder, van de Vall held several executive positions at Rakuten in Europe for seven years. His latest role was president at Rakuten Europe. 

“It’s a really exciting time to be joining the business,” van de Vall said. “Watchfinder is embarking on significant international growth in what has proven to be a rapidly growing and evolving industry.”

Founded in 2002, Watchfinder offers watches from more than 70 luxury brands across global markets, including London, Paris, Geneva, Munich, Hong Kong and New York.

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