052 | The Cooperative Model of Business with Omega CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann (Part 1)
Raynald Aeschlimann is the President and CEO of Omega Ltd., a company of the world’s leading watch manufacturer, The Swatch Group. Raynald joined the organization in 1996 as its Sales and Marketing Project Manager and later became Vice President and International Director of Sales, Retail, and Distribution before ultimately becoming CEO. Prior to joining Omega, Raynald worked at Longines and Complementa AG from 1992 to 1996. In addition to his work with Omega, Raynald serves on the Executive Board of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH.
Raynald joins us today to discuss the cooperative model of business as instituted by Nicolas Hayek in the 1980s. You’ll hear him describe his background and how his upbringing informs his social conscience and his philosophy on cooperation. Raynald also highlights how Nicolas Hayek saved the Swiss watch factory from bankruptcy in the face of competition with Japan and underscores how the Swatch Group is promoting the spirit of cooperation in the watchmaking industry.
“The success of our colleagues is our success.”
- Raynald Aeschlimann
This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:
● Raynald’s background: growing up in a factory town and his family’s watchmaking history
● Raynald’s experiences with the educational system and culture in Switzerland
● How Raynald’s life path crystalized
● The socially-conscious investor mindset and why Raynald left his dream of becoming a doctor
● The foundation of the Swatch group and revolutionizing the watch industry
● How Nicolas Hayek saved the Swiss watch industry
● How the Swatch Group of Companies is promoting cooperation in the Swiss watchmaking industry
Our Favorite Quotes:
● “Nicolas Hayek created not just another watch, but a concept that would be revolutionary, creating a community—a symbol of emotion, success, and meaning.” - Raynald Aeschlimann
● “Rather than our watches, it’s more important to talk about our craftsmen, our mechanical specialists, our master watchmakers, and our suppliers—all who are part of the same group.” - Raynald Aeschlimann
Connect with Raynald Aeschlimann:
● Omega
Spaceship Not Required
I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.
I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.
In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are… spaceship not required.
Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.