Davide Traxler is a veteran of the industry, having worked at Bulgari, Chopard & Corum, his current position is as CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier.
1. Describe briefly your childhood.
Born in New York, from an English mother and an Italian father, I attended French schools first in NY, until we moved to Congo, Rome, Brazil, and to boarding school in France – I learned to adapt and to make friends anywhere
2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?
Not really- things were changing so fast that I was mostly adapting !
3. What is your first significant memory as a child?
The ocean on Shelter island – the roar of breaking waves
4. Have you ever had another profession?
I worked in High end furniture as well as selective fragrances, in licenses and leather goods then in watches and jewelry
5. What made you decide to go in the direction you are currently in?
A natural evolution, I enjoy working with people, from all countries, listening and perchance understanding!
6. What’s the worst job you’ve had to do?
With hindsight all jobs gave me a chance to evolve – none were terrible – all were interesting – I am grateful and lucky
7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it?
Loss is always most painful, letting go to a person, to a dream, to a friendship. Time allows to remember the joys rather than the hardship, determination allows us to ramble on.
8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?
I love reading – one learns how great accomplishments came from great hardship – inspiration comes from those who never gave up, “I am hurt, but I am not slain;
I'll lay me down and bleed a-while,
And then I'll rise and fight again” Influenced certainly from my father who was also a great friend.
9. What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the accomplishments I had the opportunity to influence, encourage and make possible – Allowing, encouraging and supporting family, friend and colleagues to achieve their potential and their objectives, to be themselves.
10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you?
Do it your way, never stop listening, never stop learning – never hate.
11. Name three things on your bucket list.
Like a wish one whispers to a falling star I prefer to keep these to myself.
12. Where do you think the industry is going to be in 10 years’ time?
The industry I see will be more diverse, with increased gender balance as well as cultural diversity – Asian and Indian and American CEOs – design centers in creative hubs like Brazil or Shanghai interfacing with Swiss traditionally skilled watchmaking teams in our valleys – I believe diversity is the untapped growth driver of our trade.