Our trainers are based all over the world and teach our courses in 11 languages. Learn more about our team of watchmaking experts and enthusiasts.
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FHH Academy Trainers
Asia
Kwok Kuen Chan
Trained as a watchmaker since 1990, Kwok Kuen Chan has been active in the industry for 30 years. He has been in charge of creating the technical and repair departments of several major companies. He has continued to nurture his passion for watchmaking through training at home and abroad. He also shares his expertise as an instructor at the Professional Training Center and at various state universities in Hong Kong.
Kwok Kuen Chan
Trained as a watchmaker since 1990, Kwok Kuen Chan has been active in the industry for 30 years. He has been in charge of creating the technical and repair departments of several major companies. He has continued to nurture his passion for watchmaking through training at home and abroad. He also shares his expertise as an instructor at the Professional Training Center and at various state universities in Hong Kong.
Hermelitta Cheung
Growing up in a watch business family, Hermelitta found her passion on watches when she was young. She stepped in watchmaking industry as a trainer of a Hong Kong watch distributor company in 2009. In the next 14 years, she worked as training manager at Piaget, Chaumet and Ferragamo before she joined FHH as a certified trainer. And now she is an independent luxury consultant who provides different types of training and coaching service - from watch knowledge, jewelry know-how to selling and storytelling technique.
Hermelitta Cheung
Growing up in a watch business family, Hermelitta found her passion on watches when she was young. She stepped in watchmaking industry as a trainer of a Hong Kong watch distributor company in 2009. In the next 14 years, she worked as training manager at Piaget, Chaumet and Ferragamo before she joined FHH as a certified trainer. And now she is an independent luxury consultant who provides different types of training and coaching service - from watch knowledge, jewelry know-how to selling and storytelling technique.
Michelle Feng
Michelle Feng is a graduate of the foreign language faculty at Xian University. She started her professional career in 1994 as the Training Manager of Hyatt Hotels. In 2008, she joined Piaget China where she became the first Training Manager and contributed significantly to Piaget's success. Michelle joined Chanel in 2013 where she is responsible for training development and development strategies to achieve the House's business objectives. In 2016, Michelle became an independent watch trainer certified by the FHH.
Michelle Feng
Michelle Feng is a graduate of the foreign language faculty at Xian University. She started her professional career in 1994 as the Training Manager of Hyatt Hotels. In 2008, she joined Piaget China where she became the first Training Manager and contributed significantly to Piaget's success. Michelle joined Chanel in 2013 where she is responsible for training development and development strategies to achieve the House's business objectives. In 2016, Michelle became an independent watch trainer certified by the FHH.
Heekyung Jung
Heekyung Jung graduated from Hongik University with a degree in art criticism and has worked as a journalist and editor for several magazines including Noblesse, Marie Claire and Madame Figaro since 1995. In 2011, she became the director of Korea's number one online watch forum. She directed the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix exhibition in Seoul for two years and was a member of the jury for three years. Today, she focuses on brand strategy consulting and has just published a book entitled "Watch Manual".
Heekyung Jung
Heekyung Jung graduated from Hongik University with a degree in art criticism and has worked as a journalist and editor for several magazines including Noblesse, Marie Claire and Madame Figaro since 1995. In 2011, she became the director of Korea's number one online watch forum. She directed the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix exhibition in Seoul for two years and was a member of the jury for three years. Today, she focuses on brand strategy consulting and has just published a book entitled "Watch Manual".
Kitty Kano
Kitty Kano graduated from Keio University with a degree in French literature. Her watchmaking expertise is recognized by the Swiss watchmaking school WOSTEP. She is a technical consultant in watchmaking and jewelry and an interpreter for the most prestigious luxury brands. She is a translator specializing in the techniques of fine watchmaking in French, English and Japanese.
Kitty Kano
Kitty Kano graduated from Keio University with a degree in French literature. Her watchmaking expertise is recognized by the Swiss watchmaking school WOSTEP. She is a technical consultant in watchmaking and jewelry and an interpreter for the most prestigious luxury brands. She is a translator specializing in the techniques of fine watchmaking in French, English and Japanese.
Chloé Lam
Chloe is a trainer in Sales Storytelling for the most recognizable brands across high fashion, haute horology & jewellery, with over 2500 online and offline workshops in various countries for the past 16 years. Joined FHH since 2018, she has hosted the Hong Kong University Space FHH course since 2022. Chloe believes “People will forget what you said, will forget what you did, but will never forget how you made them feel.” She anchors key learnings with real stories and develop their natural communication skills to connect with people.
Chloé Lam
Chloe is a trainer in Sales Storytelling for the most recognizable brands across high fashion, haute horology & jewellery, with over 2500 online and offline workshops in various countries for the past 16 years. Joined FHH since 2018, she has hosted the Hong Kong University Space FHH course since 2022. Chloe believes “People will forget what you said, will forget what you did, but will never forget how you made them feel.” She anchors key learnings with real stories and develop their natural communication skills to connect with people.
Alice Leung
Alice Leung has more than 10 years of experience in various sectors of the jewelry industry, and is a certified gemologist with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She was a jewelry specialist in an international auction house for several years, and at the same time developed an interest in watches to the point of becoming an expert in the field of watchmaking. She then joined the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) as a Certified Trainer in order to transmit her watchmaking knowledge in Asia.
Alice Leung
Alice Leung has more than 10 years of experience in various sectors of the jewelry industry, and is a certified gemologist with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She was a jewelry specialist in an international auction house for several years, and at the same time developed an interest in watches to the point of becoming an expert in the field of watchmaking. She then joined the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) as a Certified Trainer in order to transmit her watchmaking knowledge in Asia.
Ernestina Ma
Ernestina Ma has been a watch editor for many years, first for the watch and jewelry section of Modern Weekly magazine, then for Time and Art, a watch magazine, and concluded her media experience as editor-in-chief of the website Worldtmpus.cn. This experience allowed her to develop her passion and vision of the watch industry, which she continues to nurture through her role as an instructor for the FHH.
Ernestina Ma
Ernestina Ma has been a watch editor for many years, first for the watch and jewelry section of Modern Weekly magazine, then for Time and Art, a watch magazine, and concluded her media experience as editor-in-chief of the website Worldtmpus.cn. This experience allowed her to develop her passion and vision of the watch industry, which she continues to nurture through her role as an instructor for the FHH.
Jet Ye
With Master degree from Edinburg University, Jet Ye had first post as assistant to British Consul General in Shanghai. His first encounter with Fine Watchmaking in 2011, he has attached to the watch industry and found Watchmagician Media Centre for promoting Haute Horlogerie. Today, he is FHH certified trainer and an independent consultant in the luxury industry. Besides watch collecting, he also enjoys playing classical guitar and performs in public.
Jet Ye
With Master degree from Edinburg University, Jet Ye had first post as assistant to British Consul General in Shanghai. His first encounter with Fine Watchmaking in 2011, he has attached to the watch industry and found Watchmagician Media Centre for promoting Haute Horlogerie. Today, he is FHH certified trainer and an independent consultant in the luxury industry. Besides watch collecting, he also enjoys playing classical guitar and performs in public.
Europe
Pierre Christe
After completing an apprenticeship at the Porrentruy watchmaking school, Pierre Christe joined the after-sales department of a major jewellery store, then two major retail chains in Geneva and Lausanne. In 1988, he joined the teams of a major Italian watch and jewellery company in the LVMH group, where he became the first international trainer in charge of creating all the course material for all after-sales and sales staff. After 30 years, he became a freelance trainer, working today for the FHH, among others, in charge of technical introductory watchmaking courses for the general public, and as a polishing trainer at WOSTEP in Neuchâtel.
Pierre Christe
After completing an apprenticeship at the Porrentruy watchmaking school, Pierre Christe joined the after-sales department of a major jewellery store, then two major retail chains in Geneva and Lausanne. In 1988, he joined the teams of a major Italian watch and jewellery company in the LVMH group, where he became the first international trainer in charge of creating all the course material for all after-sales and sales staff. After 30 years, he became a freelance trainer, working today for the FHH, among others, in charge of technical introductory watchmaking courses for the general public, and as a polishing trainer at WOSTEP in Neuchâtel.
Julien Gandolfi
Julien Gandolfi began his career in 2000 in an after-sales service department after completing an apprenticeship as a watchmaker in Geneva. He quickly turned to complications. Passionate about watchmaking, he has been involved in adult education since 2007.
Julien Gandolfi
Julien Gandolfi began his career in 2000 in an after-sales service department after completing an apprenticeship as a watchmaker in Geneva. He quickly turned to complications. Passionate about watchmaking, he has been involved in adult education since 2007.
Joanna Lange
Joanna Lange graduated from Queen's University Belfast with a degree in Business and Languages and holds an MBA with honors for her thesis "Making a difference to training standards in the Luxury Watch Industry". After several years of experience with the car manufacturer Daimler, her fascination for mechanics led her to the German watch manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne, where she developed and directed the Langue Akademie in 2007 and, more recently, the Connoisseur's Akademie.
Joanna Lange
Joanna Lange graduated from Queen's University Belfast with a degree in Business and Languages and holds an MBA with honors for her thesis "Making a difference to training standards in the Luxury Watch Industry". After several years of experience with the car manufacturer Daimler, her fascination for mechanics led her to the German watch manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne, where she developed and directed the Langue Akademie in 2007 and, more recently, the Connoisseur's Akademie.
Paola Lena
Paola graduated from EMLYON Business School and began her career at Breitling in Dubai, then at Chanel Horlogerie in Paris. She then joined Olivier Talon to develop On Time Consulting - a training, coaching and consulting organization specialized in Haute Horlogerie and retail. Passionate about watchmaking from an early age, Paola founded Watch Out Club, specializing in vintage watches, and shares her passion on social networks through her @Girlsontime account. She embodies Gen Z with energy, creativity and determination.
Paola Lena
Paola graduated from EMLYON Business School and began her career at Breitling in Dubai, then at Chanel Horlogerie in Paris. She then joined Olivier Talon to develop On Time Consulting - a training, coaching and consulting organization specialized in Haute Horlogerie and retail. Passionate about watchmaking from an early age, Paola founded Watch Out Club, specializing in vintage watches, and shares her passion on social networks through her @Girlsontime account. She embodies Gen Z with energy, creativity and determination.
Ugo Pancani
Professor in micro-mechanics and mechanical and electronic watchmaking, Ugo Pancani is specialized in Fine Watchmaking and commercial communication. Trainer for 10 years for the Richemont group, he is also scientific coordinator and restorer for the Centre d'Etudes pour la Promotion et la Restauration des Montres et Instruments Scientifiques.
Ugo Pancani
Professor in micro-mechanics and mechanical and electronic watchmaking, Ugo Pancani is specialized in Fine Watchmaking and commercial communication. Trainer for 10 years for the Richemont group, he is also scientific coordinator and restorer for the Centre d'Etudes pour la Promotion et la Restauration des Montres et Instruments Scientifiques.
Gianfranco Ritschel
Master Trainer
Gianfranco Ritschel
Master Trainer
After a successful career as a watchmaker with several major brands, including Rolex, Gianfranco Ritschel turned his attention to a different aspect of watches: marketing. Between 1992 and 1994, he served as marketing and sales manager at Piaget Switzerland. He then moved to Bucherer as branch director, becoming a member of the management team and, at the same time, director for watches at Bucherer Group. From 2004 to 2008, Gianfranco developed the Swiss branch of Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard. Since 2009 he has been active as a trainer and consultant.
Stéphane Schuler
Stéphane Schuler has 20 years of experience in the watch industry, initially in product development and marketing for the Piaget and Gérald Genta brands. In 2010, he decided to dedicate himself to training, specializing first in human development and management skills. He then became head of international sales training at Patek Philippe. Today, he is an FSEA certified trainer (adult trainer certificate) and an independent consultant in the luxury industry.
Stéphane Schuler
Stéphane Schuler has 20 years of experience in the watch industry, initially in product development and marketing for the Piaget and Gérald Genta brands. In 2010, he decided to dedicate himself to training, specializing first in human development and management skills. He then became head of international sales training at Patek Philippe. Today, he is an FSEA certified trainer (adult trainer certificate) and an independent consultant in the luxury industry.
Olivier Talon
Olivier Talon is a Parisian businessman, graduated from the Neoma business school in Reims. He began his career at IWC in Hong Kong before taking over the management of the commercial department of the House of Roger Dubuis in France. In 2013, he founded the group Le Perchoir in Paris. Since 2017 he is a certified trainer of the FHH and participates in the development of courses.
Olivier Talon
Olivier Talon is a Parisian businessman, graduated from the Neoma business school in Reims. He began his career at IWC in Hong Kong before taking over the management of the commercial department of the House of Roger Dubuis in France. In 2013, he founded the group Le Perchoir in Paris. Since 2017 he is a certified trainer of the FHH and participates in the development of courses.
Latin America
Sebastien Liron
Sébastien Liron is a specialist in luxury brand management, with extensive experience in 15 countries. After having been brand manager of Cartier in Japan, and brand manager at H.Stern Jewelers, being the representative in Brazil of Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Bulgari and Zenith, he founded in Rio de Janeiro a consultancy boutique specialized in Lovemarks management.
Sebastien Liron
Sébastien Liron is a specialist in luxury brand management, with extensive experience in 15 countries. After having been brand manager of Cartier in Japan, and brand manager at H.Stern Jewelers, being the representative in Brazil of Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Bulgari and Zenith, he founded in Rio de Janeiro a consultancy boutique specialized in Lovemarks management.
Rudolf Pluer
Rudolf Pluer learned the watchmaking trade in Solothurn, Switzerland between 1995 and 1999. In 2000, he returned to Mexico and started repairing and restoring watches and clocks in the family business. In 2002, he attended several training courses in the most important watchmaking factories in Switzerland: Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre, IWC, Gerald Genta, Chopard, Vacheron & Constantin to name a few. In 2010, he took over the management of the family business and developed his workshop.
Rudolf Pluer
Rudolf Pluer learned the watchmaking trade in Solothurn, Switzerland between 1995 and 1999. In 2000, he returned to Mexico and started repairing and restoring watches and clocks in the family business. In 2002, he attended several training courses in the most important watchmaking factories in Switzerland: Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre, IWC, Gerald Genta, Chopard, Vacheron & Constantin to name a few. In 2010, he took over the management of the family business and developed his workshop.
Middle-East
Omar Chaoui
Since his first encounter with watchmaking in the early 2000s, Omar Chaoui has developed a unique love and appreciation for Fine Watchmaking that has allowed him to build his career in the industry. Starting his watchmaking career at Baume & Mercier as a trainer and merchandiser, Omar has built his career by evolving over the years with different brands such as Harry Winston, Roger Dubuis and DeGrisogono as Regional MD.
Omar Chaoui
Since his first encounter with watchmaking in the early 2000s, Omar Chaoui has developed a unique love and appreciation for Fine Watchmaking that has allowed him to build his career in the industry. Starting his watchmaking career at Baume & Mercier as a trainer and merchandiser, Omar has built his career by evolving over the years with different brands such as Harry Winston, Roger Dubuis and DeGrisogono as Regional MD.
Issa Sulaiman
Graduated in Civil Engineering from Damascus University in 1987, Issa Sulaiman entered the world of watches and jewelry in 1995 as Training and Visual Merchandising Manager for the Vendôme Group. In 2000, he joined Cartier-Moyen Orient as Director of Training and Visual Merchandising. Between 1995 and 2010, he attended several jewellery and watchmaking training courses in France and Switzerland.
Issa Sulaiman
Graduated in Civil Engineering from Damascus University in 1987, Issa Sulaiman entered the world of watches and jewelry in 1995 as Training and Visual Merchandising Manager for the Vendôme Group. In 2000, he joined Cartier-Moyen Orient as Director of Training and Visual Merchandising. Between 1995 and 2010, he attended several jewellery and watchmaking training courses in France and Switzerland.
USA
Vincent Robert
A watchmaker by training, Vincent Robert spent his early years in Switzerland honing his skills in the workshop for brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Harry Winston. He then successfully established and managed the North American Service Center from 2004 to 2009. With an increasing focus on the end consumer, Vincent then took on a more creative role within the company, developing training and offering it to his sales network worldwide. Since 2012, he has worked with several watch brands on training and product development.
Vincent Robert
A watchmaker by training, Vincent Robert spent his early years in Switzerland honing his skills in the workshop for brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Harry Winston. He then successfully established and managed the North American Service Center from 2004 to 2009. With an increasing focus on the end consumer, Vincent then took on a more creative role within the company, developing training and offering it to his sales network worldwide. Since 2012, he has worked with several watch brands on training and product development.
Ashton Tracy
A watchmaker by trade, Ashton Tracy learned the craft attending a WOSTEP partnership school in the UK. He has run an independent watch repair workshop where he was the official Australian service centre for Montblanc and repairer for many other brands. He went to work for Rolex Canada for some years and then branched out to focus on the restoration of vintage watches as an independent. He is an active contributor for various watchmaking related publications and now involved with training of industry professionals and the public.
Ashton Tracy
A watchmaker by trade, Ashton Tracy learned the craft attending a WOSTEP partnership school in the UK. He has run an independent watch repair workshop where he was the official Australian service centre for Montblanc and repairer for many other brands. He went to work for Rolex Canada for some years and then branched out to focus on the restoration of vintage watches as an independent. He is an active contributor for various watchmaking related publications and now involved with training of industry professionals and the public.
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FHH Academy Service Providers
Océane Lao
FHH service provider for APAC region - Giant Panda Holdings Limited
Océane Lao
FHH service provider for APAC region - Giant Panda Holdings Limited
Hong Kong-based Océane Lao, founder of Giant Panda Holdings Limited, joined the FHH family in 2017. With a degree in Literature from the University of Paris-Sorbonne, including a year's exchange at the University of Berkeley, Océane can look back on a career spanning almost 20 years in various luxury brands and chains, in marketing, communications and project management positions. Océane is bilingual in French and English, with a basic knowledge of Mandarin and Cantonese. She manages the distribution of FHH Academy services in all Asia Pacific markets, and is responsible for coordinating the pool of certified trainers in these markets.
Olivier Talon & Paola Lena
FHH service provider for France - On Time Consulting
Olivier Talon & Paola Lena
FHH service provider for France - On Time Consulting
On Time Consulting (OTC), a training and coaching organisation specialising in luxury watchmaking, was founded by Olivier Talon. Trilingual in French/English/Spanish and a 2009 graduate of UDLAP in Mexico and NOMEA Business School in Paris, Olivier has worked in commercial positions for a number of leading watch brands. He also founded a famous restaurant group in Paris. As a certified trainer with the FHH Academy since 2017, Olivier continues in this role, while also distributing FHH services on the French market. He is supported by his associate, Paola Lena, who graduated from EM Lyon in 2020 and has worked in several famous luxury goods companies.
Béatrice Qiu
FHH service provider for China - Swiss Centers China
Béatrice Qiu
FHH service provider for China - Swiss Centers China
Béatrice Qiu, based in Shanghai, has been managing the distribution of FHH Academy services in China since 2019. Fluently trilingual in Mandarin/French/English, and a graduate of IAE Grenoble, Béatrice has had a rich career, mainly in business development for hotel groups and luxury holidays, as well as in the promotion of the Art of Living. With a dual culture, she is passionate about cultural exchanges between the Western countries and China, and supports the 'West meets East' confluence. As well as distributing FHH Academy training courses in China, Béatrice manages all the organisational aspects of the FHH's presence at major events in China. She also coordinates the pool of FHH-certified Chinese trainers.
Vincent Robert
FHH Service Provider for the US - TimeTechnics LLC
Vincent Robert
FHH Service Provider for the US - TimeTechnics LLC
A watchmaker trained in Switzerland at the ETVJ from 1994 to 1997, and a graduate of the Haute Ecole d'Art et Design 2002 in Geneva, Vincent Robert worked for some fifteen years in the Complications and After-Sales Service departments in Europe and the United States. Founder of TimeTechnics in 2012, Vincent is a watch consultant and expert. Based in New York, he has been managing the distribution of FHH Academy training courses throughout the Americas for the past ten years, as well as acting as a certified FHH master trainer in the United States. Bilingual in French and English, he also supervises the pool of certified FHH Academy trainers based in the United States and Canada.