Jean-Claude Biver

A businessman and tireless entrepreneur, Jean-Claude Biver is a key player in the watch industry and one of the most visible of ambassadors for Swiss culture and tradition. The head of LVMH’s Watch division, the president of Hublot since 2004 and the CEO of TAG Heuer since late 2014, Biver is a man who is always on the move. And whenever he needs to recharge his batteries, he makes a regular beeline for Verbier, a place especially close to his heart. We spoke to him about his passion for the resort.

You’re involved in a number of projects relating to Verbier, chief among them la Patrouille des Glaciers. Why Verbier?
It’s a resort that attracts a young, connected and trendy clientele, which makes it very receptive to the Hublot brand. As for La Patrouille des Glaciers, it perfectly encapsulates the slogan of TAG Heuer, its partner for the last three years: ‘Don’t Crack Under Pressure’.

Long-term parteners with Verbier, Hublot also supports its ski school. What’s the story behind the resort and resort and the brand?
The people who are loyal to Verbier are also loyal to Hublot. Having decided to follow our customers wherever they go and whenever we possibly can, it was only natural that we should link up with them in Verbier.

Géraldine Fasnacht, aka“The Birdwoman” Is an ambassador for both Verbier and Tag Heuer. What is it about her that appeals to you?
First and foremost, her profound love and respect for nature and the mountains. She’s found her niche there and she’s come to symbolise the entrepreneurial woman who knows how to take controlled and well-assessed risks. Géraldine is an extremely generous and endearing person too, and her qualities as a person are in no way inferior to her attributes as a sportswoman. And on top of all that she’s also stayed grounded and humble.

The Michaud/Hublot pop-upshop has been opening its doors every december for years now. What was the thinking about locating it in Verbier?
We chose to open a store with our friend Michaud in Verbier because we want to be as close as we can to our customers and to respond proficiently to their requirements and needs.

People tend to associate you more with Zermatt than Verbier, probably because you seem to spend more time there. What can you tell us about Verbier though?
The fact is I spend as much time in Verbier as I do in Zermatt, though I do more ski touring in Zermatt in the summer, because it’s easier to access the slopes and the altitude’s better for it.