Top exit spurs shake-up at Swatch maker SMH

Swiss watch maker SMH, which owns brands such as Swatch and Omega, has appointed Malcolm Douglas as its new managing director. It follows the departure of Karl Oliver.

Douglas was previously brand director for the Tissot watch brand, also owned by SMH.

Oliver oversaw the Swatch brand, besides his role as SMH managing director.

The job of brand director, the most senior post within Swatch, has now been filled by Jill Pinnington, former Swatch sales and marketing director. She announced plans to leave the company in January (MW January 29), but was persuaded to stay by Oliver.

The company is introducing the cK watch range from Calvin Klein to the UK this summer. The brand is already available in the US, France, Italy and Germany. It is understood that Pinnington will also run the cK brand.

SMH is unveiling a watch for the World Cup under its Flik Flak brand. The watch, called Flik The Football Star, will be targeted at children and has football-shaped packaging.

Swatch has also been linked with a deal to sponsor the Millennium Dome.