A significant transition is underway at Voutilainen as Angélique Singele is appointed chief executive officer of the brand, marking an important step in its long-term succession planning. The announcement follows Dubai Watch Week, where Kari Voutilainen discussed the future of founder-led independent watchmaking and his desire to keep the enterprise — spanning Voutilainen, Comblémine, Brodbeck Guillochage, and Voutilainen & Cattin — firmly independent.

With Ms Singele taking over day-to-day leadership, Mr Voutilainen plans to refocus on creation, unique pieces, and client relationships, signalling a new chapter for one of the most influential names in contemporary independent horology. In conversations, Mr Voutilainen sometimes expresses frustrations at his long days filled with administrative and management matters, which leave him less time to deal with the watchmaking he is most passionate about.

Initial thoughts

The timing of Ms Singele’s appointment makes a lot of sense coming shortly after Dubai Watch Week, where Mr Voutilainen was a panelist, alongside Maximilian Büsser, on the topic of succession for founder-led independent watch brands. During the discussion Mr Voutilainen revealed that this is something he’s thought about since the beginning.

“I was already thinking, almost at the beginning of my career, that there are only three ways [it might end]: stop the business, sell the business, or have the family continue it.” The appointment of Ms Singele is revealing about which path Mr Voutilainen prefers, especially since his children are still relatively young.

“At the beginning, I had a big conversation [with myself about what] I want to do and how to do it, and I thought that it would be best to remain independent” explained Mr Voutilainen. “So at least I have the power of the decision; that was the first thing.”

Mr Voutilainen went on to explain that his children are likely to take on big roles in the company in the future, including his two daughters, one of whom is a watchmaker, and his son, who is currently studying at a technical university.

The Voutilainen enterprise, which includes not just his own workshop but also Brodbeck Guillochage, dial maker Comblémine and case maker Voutilainen & Cattin, now employs 80 people. Furthermore, Mr Voutilainen also serves as co-CEO of Urban Jürgensen alongside Alex Rosenfield.

With the support of Ms Singele as the Voutilainen workshop’s new chief executive, Mr Voutilainen hopes to be able to pivot away from some of the management work to focus on developing new products, engaging with clients, and working on unique pieces.

About Angélique Singele

Ms Singele is a credentialed manager who joined Voutilainen as a logistician in 2020. Barely a year later, she was promoted to the role of chief operating officer, a role that she’s held until now. With the acquisition of Brodbeck Guillochage last year, Ms Singele was also appointed as a director of that business.

Prior to joining Voutilainen, Ms Singele gained experience first as a watchmaker at Rolex before learning the ins and outs of movement development at LTM and Zenith. She later transitioned to the logistics side of the industry with stints at Comblémine and ETA.

Ms Singele brings a watchmaker’s perspective to the CEO role, and should help unlock the next chapter for the Voutilainen workshop.