NEUCHÂTEL 2026
25+ Senior Participants
Two Executive Discussions
One Industry Conversation
Why Neuchâtel
The region sits at the heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking ecosystem, bringing together manufacturing expertise, movement development, craftsmanship, independent watchmaking and generations of technical knowledge.
This made Neuchâtel a natural setting for a conversation about the future credibility and value of Swiss watchmaking.
Welcome Address, Hosts & Moderators
A broader participant group from luxury brands, hospitality, beauty, watches, jewellery, advisory, and related sectors will join the evening.
Christian Schmed
Directeur Général, Vranken-Pommery Suisse SA
Co-Host
Deependra Pandey
CEO, Luxury Venture Group
Host
Florence Nater
Conseillère d’État, Canton of Neuchâtel
Welcome Address
Ines E.C
Managing Director, LVG Hub
Host
Serge Maillard
Publisher, Europa Star
Moderator
Sophy Rindler
Director of partnerships and industry relations, Chrono24
Moderator
Core Topics
Topic 1: The Future of Swiss Watchmaking
How should Swiss watchmaking evolve while protecting its soul?
Discussion points:
- Independent movement development
- Complications and creativity
- Design innovation
- Repair, service, and longevity
- Younger collectors and new expectations
- Resale, circular value, and long-term desirability
- The role of technology in traditional watchmaking
Topic 2: The Substance Behind the Watch
What defines credibility, authenticity, and lasting value in contemporary watchmaking, with Swiss watchmaking at its core?
Discussion points:
- Authenticity, provenance, and traceability
- The meaning and credibility of Swiss Made today
- Craftsmanship, materials, and movement integrity
- Swiss manufacturing for international and independent brands
- Design, engineering, and product coherence
- What collectors increasingly expect from a credible watch
- Transparency while preserving emotion, exclusivity, and mystery
- How established and emerging brands build long-term credibility
Selected Participants
| Name | Position / Organization |
|---|---|
| Alexander Friedman | Co-Founder, CollectorSphere & Founder, AF. Luxury Consulting |
| Andreas Altmann | President, GIBERG |
| Christian Schmed | Directeur Général, Vranken-Pommery Suisse SA |
| Daniel Niederer | Founder, SEVENFRIDAY |
| Deependra Pandey | Founder and CEO, Luxury Venture Group |
| Florence Nater | Conseillère d’État, Canton of Neuchâtel |
| Ines EC | Managing Director, LVG Hub |
| Jean Noël Lefevre | CEO, Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier |
| Jean-François Mojon | Chairman, Chronode SA |
| Karin Lorez | CEO, Scale Compliance |
| Pascal Béchu | Chief Executive Officer, Manufacture Arnold & Son – Angelus S.A. |
| Patrik Hoffmann | Chairman, Favre Leuba |
| Pedro Lopez-Belmonte Eraso | CPO, VersAI |
| Philippe Pegoraro | Chief Economist Officer, Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH |
| Prof. Dr. Sebastian Huber | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts Business |
| Robert Casagrande | Senior Partner, Luxury Venture Group |
| Serge Maillard | Publisher, Europa Star |
| Sergio Allegri | VP of Global Materials Traceability, Dust Identity |
| Sophie Haerri Affolter | Business Partner, Service de l’économie de l’État de Neuchâtel |
| Sophy Rindler | Director of Partnerships and Industry Relations, Chrono24 |
| Stephane Linder | CEO, Kirchhofer Group |
| Thomas Baillod | CEO, Baillod Horlogerie Holding SA |
| Vahé Vartzbed | CEO, Kerbedanz |
| Xavier Perrenoud | Founder and Creative Director, XJC |
| Zino Spinedi | Managing Director, GIBERG |
Agenda: Thursday, 27 August 2026
The Neuchâtel edition is designed as a late-afternoon executive conversation, followed by informal networking drinks.
| 16:30 | Guest Arrival and Welcome Drinks |
| 17:00 | Welcome and opening remarks |
| 17:10 | Discussion 1 The Future of Swiss Watchmaking: Design, Complications, Longevity, and New Collectors |
| 17:50 | Discussion 2 The Substance Behind the Watch: Authenticity, Craftsmanship, Movement Integrity and Swiss Made Credibility |
| 18:30 | Key Takeaways and Closing Remarks |
| 18:40 | Networking Drink |
| 20:30 | Close |
The Room
The Salon brought together perspectives from watch brands, independent watchmaking, movement development, manufacturing, retail, the secondary market, technology, academia and public institutions.
The intentionally small format allowed every participant to contribute directly to the conversation.
Future Participation
Participation in future Executive Salons and related LVG Hub formats is by invitation only.
The format is intended for senior leaders, founders, decision-makers, and selected experts who bring a relevant perspective to the discussion.
Each Salon is curated around a specific theme, location, and audience.
Why This Format Matters
Why the Executive Salon Format
The Executive Salon is designed around a simple principle: smaller rooms create different conversations.
There is no traditional audience. Participants contribute directly, different perspectives are encouraged, and the conversation continues beyond the formal discussion.
Each edition brings together a carefully selected group around one defined business or industry question.
NEXT EDITION
PARIS EXECUTIVE SALON
12 November 2026
Paris, France
FAQs
The Neuchâtel Executive Salon is part of the wider LVG Executive Salons format developed by LVG Hub.
What makes this Salon different from a conference or panel?
The Executive Salon is private, small, and discussion-led. It is designed for senior-level exchange, not public presentations.
Can companies support the Salon?
Yes. We are open to one host or supporting partner aligned with the theme of Swiss watchmaking, trust, product truth, technology, investment, or long-term value.
