Movado names new HR head

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
May 2, 2023

Movado Group has announced the appointment of Michelle Kennedy to the role of senior vice president, human resources, effective immediately. 

​In this role, Kennedy will be responsible for the watch company's global human resources strategy and operations; talent management, including recruitment and leadership development; and compensation and benefits. She replaces Vivian D’Elia, who has been with Movado Group for close to 30 years, and will remain with the company as an advisor to support the transition until her retirement at the beginning of July.

Kennedy comes to Movado from Williams-Sonoma, where she served as senior vice president of HR, and was with the company for 12 years. Previously, Kennedy spent six years at Ralph Lauren, where she rose to vice president of human resources, followed by six years as vice president of HR at Christian Dior, where she led all HR functions for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America and supported Christian Dior’s expansion into the U.K. ​

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work so closely with Vivian for almost 30 years. Vivian played a critical role in helping make Movado Group a truly global company and the organization we are all proud to be a part of today. We wish her the very best in her retirement,” said chairman and chief executive officer of Movado Group, Efraim Grinberg.

“We are thrilled to have Michelle Kennedy join the Movado Group business and I look forward to working with her and our business leaders as we continue to develop and grow the organization globally. Michelle’s experience, both domestically and internationally, will help continue to develop strategies that drive growth and the long-term success of the business with our people-first approach, dedication to talent, and commitment to a thriving culture.”

In late March,  ​Movado Group announced net sales increased 2.7% to $751.9 million for the fiscal 2023 year, on the back of growth in the watchmaker's international wholesale business and own stores.