News 
Pierre Jacques, Denis Flageollet and Justin Reis
After more than 15 years of dedicated leadership, Pierre Jacques has announced his decision to step down from his executive role at De Bethune, effective this summer, to focus on new personal and professional ventures. He will remain closely involved with the brand as Honorary President and will lead a seamless transition in collaboration with co-founder and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet and the brand’s Executive Chairman Justin Reis.
Appointed CEO in 2011, Pierre Jacques played a pivotal role in accelerating De Bethune’s development. That same year, the brand was awarded the Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, marking a decade of relentless innovation and technical mastery.
In 2015, Jacques took on leadership of the Board, infusing the brand with renewed momentum and expanding its global presence. Throughout, he worked with cofounder and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet to preserve the brand’s visionary ethos and unwavering commitment to horological excellence. Jacques played a key role in securing the future of the manufacture in Sainte Croix, spearheading strategic partnerships with elite retailers, championing bespoke creations for collectors, as well as overseeing a management buy-out that brought together like-minded shareholders. In 2021, he orchestrated a transformative alliance with WatchBox (now The 1916 Company), a major force in the global luxury watch market, which has since accelerated De Bethune’s growth.
Co-founder and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet remains fully engaged in the enterprise, affirming his ongoing dedication.
June 26, 2025