In Search Of Excellence Ilaria Resta: Leading Audemars Piguet by Balancing Tradition and Innovation | E148
Ilaria Resta is the CEO of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive luxury watch brands, renowned for its tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. Before leading AP, Ilaria served as President and CEO of Firmenich, a family-owned Swiss company that creates perfumes for iconic brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Hugo Boss, with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion. Her career began at Procter & Gamble, where she spent 23 years shaping some of the most recognizable consumer brands, including Tide, Pantene, and Head & Shoulders. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Ilaria’s journey from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of luxury and leadership exemplifies her values of resilience, learning, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Ilaria offers invaluable insights into leadership, breaking barriers, and the art of building lasting relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Ilaria Resta and the Legacy of Audemars Piguet
02:12 – Growing Up in Naples: Traditional Values and Early Influences
06:45 – The Pursuit of Excellence: Learning Feedback as a Gift
12:00 – Falling in Love with Perfume: A Passion for Beauty and Design
15:10 – Winning a Marketing Contest: From Financial Mathematics to Marketing
17:44 – Lessons from 23 Years at Procter & Gamble: Decision-Making and Leadership
22:51 – The Call from Audemars Piguet: Joining a New Industry
27:27 – Mystery Shopping for Audemars Piguet: Testing the Customer Experience
33:01 – Following a Legendary CEO: Balancing Legacy with Innovation
37:57 – The Mission of Audemars Piguet: Innovation, Quality, and Client-Centricity
42:26 – Onboarding at AP: Learning from the Ground Up
Resources:
Ilaria's LinkedIn
Audemars Piguet Website
Audemars Piguet Instagram
Coaching and Staying Connected:
1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn