Maurice Lacroix CEO Stéphane Waser to step down after 18 years

Stéphane Waser has decided to step back from his role as CEO of Maurice Lacroix.

Taking to LinkedIn to announce the news, he said it was now time for him to “prepare for a new chapter” while remaining committed to the brand and wider business during the transition period.

After beginning his career with brand manager roles in the tobacco and then consumer health industries, his first foray into the watch world was when he joined Maurice Lacroix in 2008 as international marketing manager.

Waser quickly showed how valuable he was to the company and was promoted to managing director in 2014.

After four years in that role, he took on additional work in becoming managing director for the DKSH luxury and lifestyle division — a role which he held until March of last year.

In his work with DKSH, he was also head of country management for Switzerland from 2021 through to 2025 and managing director of watches as a category from 2020 until now.

He has since updated his LinkedIn profile and, while confirming he will help Maurice Lacroix and DKSH while they find a successor, says he is now “open to senior executive roles and board mandates in brand, retail, and international distribution.”

As part of his wider post, he reflected fondly on the time in the job and thanked those he had worked with.

“To my colleagues, our partners, customers, suppliers, retailers, media, and friends around the world — thank you for your trust, collaboration, and support over the years,” he said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many talented and passionate people.

“Together we’ve lived memorable moments, overcome real challenges, launched exciting innovations, and helped shape the evolution of Maurice Lacroix. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built together.”

He signed off: “As I look ahead, I do so with gratitude, optimism, and genuine excitement for what comes next. I look forward to staying connected with many of you, and to discovering where the next chapter leads. Thank you again for being part of this journey.”

Monica Porracin, founder and managing director of The Blue Company, Maurice Lacroix’s distributor in the UK, commented on the post and wished Waser well.

“Congratulations on an incredible journey,” she said. “It has been a pleasure working with you over the years. Wishing you every success and happiness in your new chapter. Hope our paths will cross again. Ciao.”