Latest news at Horlyne

Zian Kighelman, Horlyne’s new CEO

24
Nov 2022
Zian Kighelman, Horlyne’s new CEO

After 30 years at the helm of Horlyne, Raymond Leitenberg has handed over general management of the company to Zian Kighelman. This smooth succession comes just a few months after Horlyne’s integration into the Acrotec Group.

Based in La Chaux-de-Fonds since 1978, Horlyne today specializes in the manufacture of high-end oscillating weights in precious metals for the most prestigious watch brands. Today, Horlyne is the Swiss benchmark in this sector, thanks to its multiple crafts and equipment ranging from guilloché machines to the latest-generation Femto laser.

Having run the company since 1992, Raymond Leitenberg decided to prepare his succession and Horlyne’s future by joining the Acrotec Group in May 2022, and recruiting Zian Kighelman as his successor last September. It’s the best possible choice for Horlyne,” explains Raymond Leitenberg. On the one hand, Horlyne benefits from the solidity and synergies of Acrotec, and on the other, we are integrating a remarkable talent and an excellent manager at the head of our company. Over the next year, I’ll be working with him to manage this transition and introduce him to all our partners.

A former president of SSC, Zian Kighelman has spent most of his career in senior positions with prestigious brands such as Chanel, Cartier and Piaget within the Richemont Group. It was in the course of these watchmaking duties that Zian Kighelman met Raymond Leitenberg over 15 years ago. We share a common passion: the beauty of the product,” confides Zian Kighelman. Horlyne has a magnificent know-how with craftsmen who work precious metals with a remarkable finish. My role will be to make this transition a success and give us new impetus for growth, particularly in jewelry. All the indicators are green to achieve these two major objectives.

Zian Kighelman will also be able to count on Isaline Leitenberg, daughter of Horlyne’s historic CEO, who has been in charge of marketing and human resources for the past ten years. Our 37-strong team and our customers have welcomed these announcements and are reassured about the future,” explains Isaline Leitenberg. Zian has clearly understood my father’s philosophy and the company’s human values. I will continue to work alongside him to write this promising new chapter in Horlyne’s history.”

To read the full press release, click here (in french only).