====== Meylan, Georges-Henri ======
**Georges-Henri Meylan** was a leader at [[Audemars Piguet]] from [[1987]] through retirement in [[2009]], then created [[MELB Holding]], purchasing [[Hautlence]] and [[H. Moser & Cie.]]

===== Biography =====
Georges-Henri Meylan began working at [[Audemars Piguet]] in the 1980s, as the company was solidifying its position at one of the top brands in Swiss watchmaking. Just three years later, in [[1987]], Meylan was placed alongside [[Urquhart, Stephen|Stephen Urquhart]] to lead the brand after the death of [[Golay, Georges|Georges Golay]]. Meylan focused on production while Urquhart traveled to represent the brand internationally.

An internal audit suggested that Audemars Piguet should raise prices, open [[boutique|exclusive stores]], and solidify its finances, just as many other brands were combining into major [[watch group]]s. Urquhart reportedly disagreed with this direction and left to run [[Blancpain]] within [[Swatch Group]], leaving Meylan in sole charge. In just a few years Meylan sold the company's stake in [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] to [[Richemont]] and developed more exclusive and high-priced products. He is also credited for moving the brand from [[BaselWorld]] to the quieter [[SSIH]] trade show and representing it as an exclusive global name.

Meylan retired from Audemars Piguet on January 1, [[2009]]. He soon began consulting with other watch brands, and in [[2012]] formed [[MELB Holding]] to purchase [[Hautlence]] from its owners and creditors. After consulting at [[H. Moser & Cie.]] Meylan purchased that company, as well as its [[escapement]] manufacturing sister company, [[Precision Engineering]]. Placing his son Edouard in charge of H. Moser & Cie., Meylan has succeeded in bringing the famous name back with slightly lower prices and quirky marketing.


{{tag>Biographies Audemars_Piguet MELB_Holding}}