Francois-Henry Bennahmias - Advisor

Francois-Henry Bennahmias is an advisor to Fireman Capital Partners.  As President & CEO of Audemars Piguet North America Inc, he oversees all financial, operational, sales and marketing functions for the brand throughout North America including Mexico and Canada. Mr. Bennahmias brings to the position a long and rich experience in luxury retail marketing. Having been with Audemars Piguet for over a decade his position will expand to include South America and the Caribbean in early 2008.
 
Born in Paris, Mr. Bennahmias began his career in professional sports; where he ranked as number 25 on the French golf tour. There, he developed a keen instinct for the challenge, adventure and bold drive for excellence that mark a true champion and the highest level of perfection in any craft.  These attributes have guided him in his leadership of Audemars Piguet North America and are qualities he tries to instill in his team of over 70 employees.  Mr. Bennahmias refined his experience in the luxury fashion industry, where he worked in management positions for brands including Giorgio Armani, Les Copains, Reporter, Peter Hadley and Vilebrequin. In these roles, he developed an appreciation for the subtle characteristics of beauty, quality and timeless innovation, which distinguish each Audemars Piguet timepiece.
 
Mr. Bennahmias began his career at Audemars Piguet in France in 1994. In less than three years, he was promoted to lead the brand's operations in Singapore, and in 1996 took on added responsibility for Audemars Piguet in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Brunei, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. He was promoted to the position of President, Audemars Piguet North America, in 1999 and since that time, under his leadership, the brand has experienced rapid growth in sales and is now positioned as the number one market within the brand. Mr. Bennahmias was also instrumental in the Company's establishing flagship boutiques on New York City's 57th Street (2003) and Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, Florida (2006). Francois is on the Board of Directors of Pilla, Inc.

An avid sportsman and relentless competitor, Mr. Bennahmias and his wife Alice reside in New York City with their children Carla and Noah.