Longines's CEO Walter von Känel has spent most of his professional career in an industry that captured his imagination while still a child, the industry that was the lifeblood of the Saint-Imier region where he lived. After leaving business college Walter von Känel became a technical administrator in the Swiss customs service and subsequently held a number of positions in accounting, logistics and sales with dial manufacturer Jean Singer.
He joined Longines in 1969 at the age of 28 as sales manager and was quickly seconded to the United States to work with the brand’s New York agent. Walter von Känel continued to work his way up, holding positions as head of sales, then head of sales and marketing, before being appointed general manager in 1988. Since 1991 he has been a member of Swatch Group’s expanded management board.
Walter von Känel is also very active in the politics of his region, and is passionate about local history.
