The Luxury Society Podcast
The Luxury Society Podcast, brought to you by DLG (Digital Luxury Group), features exclusive insider conversations on the transformation of the luxury industry as it expands into sports, entertainment, and culture. It blends data-driven insights, expert analysis, and engaging storytelling to connect executives, visionaries, and emerging trends. Hosted by Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh.
Episodes
Back in the hot seat: new Breitling CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué gives his first interview
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, Founder and CEO of DLG, are joined by Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Breitling, six months into his tenure at the Swiss watchmaker.Jean-Marc explains why he returned from a sabbatical to lead Breitling at the start of its House of Brands era alongside Universal Genève and Gallet. He sets out why he believes the Swiss wa
Wind it up: Bulgari’s Jonathan Brinbaum on solving watchmaking’s volume problem
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, Founder and CEO of DLG, are joined by Jonathan Brinbaum, Managing Director of Bulgari Watches, to examine the big questions looming over luxury watchmaking — recorded live on location at Geneva Watch Days.Jonathan tackles the issues the industry can't afford to ignore: the steep decline in Swiss watchmaking vol
The winner takes it all: Robin and David on the luxurification of sport
In this bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, Founder and CEO of DLG, examine the luxurification of sport and what a summer of football, tennis and athletics reveals about where the relationship between luxury brands and sport is heading next.With FIFA set to announce revenues of between $13 and $15 billion from this World Cup, luxury brands largely bypas
Neighbourhood watch: The 1916 Company CEO John Shmerler on Luxury Retail 3.0
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, Founder and CEO of DLG, are joined by John Shmerler, Chief Executive of The 1916 Company, to examine how the primary and secondary watch markets are converging and what it really takes to build a luxury retail business for the long term.From the story behind bringing four separate businesses, Govberg, Radcliffe, Hyd
Success is not final: former Cartier CEO Cyrille Vigneron on how to stay ahead in luxury
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, are joined by Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy at Cartier and the maison's former President and CEO, to examine what the current upheaval in luxury really demands of its leaders.Drawing on nearly three decades across Richemont and LVMH, Vigneron reflects on the decisions that defined his t
The great luxury reset: how to beat the chaos with Professor Stéphane Girod
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, Founder and CEO of DLG, are joined by Professor Stéphane Girod, Professor of Strategy at IMD Lausanne and Leader of IMD’s Luxury 2050 Initiative, to examine what the great luxury reset actually demands of the industry's leaders.The engine of growth that powered luxury for three decades, built on globalisation,
Shooting for the Moon: Davide Cerrato on rebooting Bremont
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, Founder and CEO of DLG, are joined by Davide Cerrato, CEO of Bremont Watch Company, to examine one of the most scrutinised brand turnarounds in contemporary watchmaking.Three years in, Cerrato reflects on the decisions that defined his tenure: cutting the collection from 200 references to fewer than 100, overhauling
The pleasure of excellence: Parmigiani’s Guido Terreni on private luxury
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank is joined by Guido Terreni, Chief Executive of Parmigiani Fleurier, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it means to lead one of watchmaking's most singular houses.Drawing on 21 years at Bulgari, where he oversaw the creation of the Serpenti and the record-breaking Octo Finissimo, Terreni reflects on the relaunch of Parmigian
BONUS episode: Robin, David & Dominic talk AI & ‘FOBO’, the Fear of Becoming Obsolete
In this bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh, Founder and CEO of DLG are joined by Dominic Baldwin-Weir, Strategy Director at DLG, to examine artificial intelligence and its growing impact on the luxury industry.From AI-powered leadership “agents” analysing grey markets, pricing and search data to the broader cultural resistance within luxury, the convers
Risky business: Max Büsser of MB&F on how pride comes before it all
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Max Büsser, Founder and Creative Director of MB&F, about creative risk, independence and long-term brand building.Büsser reflects on leaving Harry Winston to launch MB&F without a safety net, why his gut feeling guides his decisions more than profit and how independent creators have reshaped
Right time, right price: LVMH’s Jean-Christophe Babin on Bulgari's hotels & TAG Heuer’s CEO woes
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of both Bulgari Group and LVMH Watches Division about leadership, resilience and long-term value creation in a volatile luxury landscape.Drawing on more than three decades at the top of the industry, Babin reflects on navigating economic uncertainty, why gaining market shar
Not for everyone: Michael Lohscheller's common sense approach to Polestar
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore how innovation, sustainability and intelligence are reshaping luxury, through two timely conversations. The episode opens with Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, who discusses leading a premium EV brand through global uncertainty, Polestar’s positioning as a design-led brand “not for everybody,” and
Margin gains: Edouard Meylan on turning Moser into an independent powerhouse
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore two defining forces shaping luxury today: the resilience of independent watchmaking and the realities of AI adoption across the industry.The episode opens with Edouard Meylan, CEO and owner of H. Moser & Cie, who reflects on leading an independent Swiss watch brand through economic uncertainty. He d
Time to get real: Julien Tornare on Hublot's human touch
Season 3 of The Luxury Society Podcast opens with hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speaking with Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot, who reflects on leading the brand through a period of industry reset following years of post-pandemic volatility.The conversation explores Hublot’s strategic rebalancing, from stepping back from major football sponsorships to refocusing on emotion-led brand buildi
BONUS Episode: Robin and David review Dubai Watch Week
In this special bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh look back at the big themes that shaped Season 2, from Dubai Watch Week and the GPHG to the shifting dynamics of China, the rise of AI and what luxury can expect heading into 2026.Fresh from Dubai Watch Week, they discuss why the event has become a global force in watchmaking and what the Middle E
Unbottling beauty: Giulio Bergamaschi on Acqua di Parma’s secret recipe
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore two major forces reshaping luxury: the rise of AI and the evolution of high-end fragrance. Robin begins by interviewing David about DLG’s new report, The State of AI in Luxury, revealing why brands feel urgency around AI yet remain stuck in early-stage experimentation – held back by data fragmentation,
A line in the sand: Hind Seddiqi on the rise of Dubai Watch Week
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Hind Seddiqi, CEO of Dubai Watch Week and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding, about how a family-led vision transformed Dubai Watch Week into one of the most influential events in global watchmaking.As the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, Seddiqi shares how it evolv
Ride and seek: Fran Millar on her plans for Rapha’s turnaround
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Fran Millar, CEO of high-end cycling brand Rapha. From helping to build Team Sky into a Tour de France-winning powerhouse to leading the turnaround of Belstaff, Millar now faces her steepest climb yet – restoring Rapha’s reputation as the world’s most desirable cycling brand.With trademark clarity an
The godfather speaks: Jean-Claude Biver on a life in luxury watchmaking
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Jean-Claude Biver, Swiss watchmaking legend and co-founder of Biver Watches, who has over five decades at the forefront of the industry on why he believes true luxury lies in passion, art and eternity.From reviving Blancpain and reinventing Hublot to launching a new family-run maison with his son Pie
An Indian luxury watch? C K Venkataraman on Titan’s giant ambitions
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with C K Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan Company, part of the Tata Group, about the rise of India’s homegrown luxury and how Titan is redefining what it means to make fine watches outside Switzerland.With over three decades at Titan, Venkataraman reflects on the company’s journey from mass-market
BONUS Episode: Jacques Roizen on China’s revival
In this special bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank speaks with Jacques Roizen, Managing Director, China Consulting at DLG, about the state of the Chinese luxury market and why we may be entering a new paradigm.From recovery signals to the realities of a maturing industry, Roizen shares why the days of double-digit growth are behind us, and why optimisation and inno
The show must go on: Ilaria Resta takes Audemars Piguet into a new era
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, about leading one of Switzerland’s most storied watchmakers through a period of transformation and challenge.With a career spanning FMCG, fragrance, and now fine watchmaking, Resta reflects on her first years at Audemars Piguet, the opportunities presented by the
The Crown and the Cup: Ryder Cup Europe's CEO Guy Kinnings on golf, luxury and Rolex
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh with Guy Kinnings, CEO DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe, talk about the power of sport in shaping the future of luxury.With a career spanning decades in golf and sports management, Kinnings reflects on the global expansion of the game, the commercial power of the Ryder Cup and why sport has become one of the
The honourable merchant: François-Henry Bennahmias' better luxury mission begins
In this week’s episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome a titan of the watch and luxury world: François-Henry Bennahmias. The former Audemars Piguet CEO reveals his next chapter, the launch of The Honourable Merchants Group, an ambitious multi-vertical luxury group built on a philosophy of better, not more.From visionary leadership at AP to a radical
Stay another day: Tom Barber of Original Travel on the rise of luxury sabbaticals
This week on The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank sits down with Tom Barber, co-founder and brand director of Original Travel, to explore how the world of luxury, bespoke travel is evolving in 2025.From sabbaticals to sustainability, Barber shares how consumer motivations have shifted since the pandemic, why “time” remains the ultimate luxury and how his company is rethinking experie
Downturns and touchdowns: Georges Kern on Breitling's NFL deal
In this first episode of The Luxury Society podcast Season 2, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh are joined by Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, to discuss tariffs, transformation and the bold bets shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking.Kern reflects on his six years at the helm of Breitling, the challenges facing the luxury watch industry, and why agility, partnerships and brand positioning
BONUS episode: Robin and David review Season 1
In this special bonus episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh reflect on the first season of The Luxury Society Podcast. From Chinese EV disruptors to the luxury pricing paradox, they revisit standout guests, surprising insights, and bold predictions - and share their take on where luxury is headed next.Tune in for a candid conversation on:Chinese luxury's global expansion and whet
Second coming: Ben Clymer on why he returned to Hodinkee
For the final episode of Season 1, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Ben Clymer, founder and returning president of Hodinkee, the trailblazing platform that reshaped the way the world talks, and shops, for watches. Once hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “the closest thing the watch industry has to a celebrity,” Ben opens up about why he’s back at the helm after a four-year hiatus
Overtaking manoeuvres: Richard Mille’s Peter Harrison on scaling the watch podium
In this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh sit down with Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, to explore how the ultra-luxury watchmaker rocketed from start-up to Swiss powerhouse in just two decades. Peter, who has been with the brand since the early 2000s, offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into the philosophy, partnerships, and precision-engineering that have made Richar
Making waves: Explora Journeys president Anna Nash on reimagining luxury ocean travel
In this 10th episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand from MSC Group. Anna shares her journey from land-based luxury at Aman to leading a sea-based brand aiming to revolutionise perceptions of cruising. She discusses her leadership learnings, market insights, and the company'
Let's go round again: Watchfinder's Arjen van de Vall on pre-owned's bounce
In this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Arjen van de Vall, CEO of Watchfinder & Co., for a deep dive into the fast-evolving pre-owned luxury watch market. They explore how the industry has matured since the pandemic-era boom, how buyer behavior is shifting, and why trust—not timepieces—is the real product Watchfinder sells. Arjen shares insights on market volatility,
Bumps in the road: Bernstein’s Luca Solca analyses luxury's rough patch
In this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Luca Solca, one of the most respected analysts in the global luxury sector. They explore the current turbulence in the luxury market, from macroeconomic pressures and post-pandemic consumer behavior to creative turnover and digital transformation. Luca offers razor-sharp commentary on everything from Swatch Group’s boardroom drama t
Hammer time: Bonhams' CEO Chabi Nouri on the booming auction scene
In this episode, Robin Swithinbank is joined by Chabi Nouri, Global CEO of Bonhams and former CEO of Piaget, to explore the dynamic world of luxury auctions. From classic cars and contemporary art to collectible watches and rare artifacts, Bonhams operates across 60+ categories with an expanding global footprint.Chabi shares why she moved from private equity back into luxury, what makes Bonhams un
Betting on the Big Cat: Gerry McGovern on Jaguar’s big gamble
In this episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Gerry McGovern, Chief Creative Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, about Jaguar’s dramatic reinvention. With car sales paused and a controversial brand overhaul underway, McGovern explains why the future of Jaguar depends on embracing change—even if it means dividing opinion.They discuss:The global reactio
Turning tides: how to woo the new Chinese luxury consumer
In this episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the Chinese luxury consumer market. Joined by Pablo Mauron, Managing Partner China & Board Member at DLG (Digital Luxury Group) and expert on luxury brands in China, the conversation delves into the shifting preferences and growing confidence of Chinese buyers.Key t
Dialogues not definitions: how Porsche doubled its business in a decade
In this fourth episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore the remarkable rise of Porsche with rare insights from Deniz Keskin, Director of Brand Management and Partnerships, Porsche.Recorded at Soho House Summit at Soho Farmhouse in the UK’s cotswolds, the conversation reveals how the brand rejected rigid definitions in favor of internal dialogue, emotional c
Luxury in turmoil: how to survive the crisis
In this third episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh discuss the ever-evolving world of luxury following Trump’s tariff announcements. Key topics include: LVMH’s Q1 Performance: Sales missed expectations with a 5% shortfall. Fashion & leather goods saw a 5% dip, and issues at their Texas site raise quality concerns.Hermès on the Rise: Surpasses LVMH’s market
Crowning glory: Watches of Switzerland Group keeps its eye on the throne as it opens Europe's largest Rolex boutique
In this second episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh dive deep into the ever-evolving world of luxury as they are joined by Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group, who gives a rare behind-the-curtain view of Europe’s largest Rolex boutique, the state of global watch demand, and the future of luxury retail.In this episode: Rolex’s retail revolution: Why
Race Season: Can TAG Heuer’s F1 deal revive the Swiss watch industry?
A very warm welcome to the very first episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, brought to you by DLG (Digital Luxury Group), hosted by Robin Swithinbank & David Sadigh.Together, we're going to be deep-diving into the world of luxury to try and figure out how it works, who is behind it, and just what brands and businesses need to do to be successful in it. Coming up in this first episode, we
Trailer: The Luxury Society Podcast
Welcome to The Luxury Society Podcast, hosted by journalist Robin Swithinbank & David Sadigh, founder and CEO of DLG (Digital Luxury Group).In this podcast we’re going to be dissecting the brands, the businesses and the behaviours that make the luxury world go round. We will be bringing you exclusive insider conversations, data-driven insights, expert analysis and interviews with the biggest
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