Story Highlight
– Urban Jürgensen announces new senior leadership team.
– Kari Voutilainen becomes Board Member, Senior Strategic Advisor.
– Alex Rosenfield appointed new chief executive officer.
– Venla Voutilainen leaves to work with her father.
– Company aims to expand collections in high-end watchmaking.
Full Story
Urban Jürgensen is set to embark on a new chapter as it transitions into 2026 with a revamped senior leadership team, marking significant changes within the established watchmaker.
Kari Voutilainen, a subtly influential figure in the watch industry, has been appointed as a Board Member and Senior Strategic Advisor after four years as co-CEO. In his new role, Voutilainen will focus on shaping the company’s long-term vision, offering insights into product design and development, and ensuring the preservation of Urban Jürgensen’s esteemed quality standards. This shift will free him from daily operational tasks, allowing him to devote more time to his own watch design and craftsmanship.
Alex Rosenfield, who has served alongside Voutilainen as co-CEO since 2021, will assume the role of chief executive officer. He is tasked with steering the company as it innovates new collections and strengthens its standing in the luxury watch sector.
Venla Voutilainen, Kari’s daughter and former director of after-sales service and chief operating officer, will also depart from Urban Jürgensen to collaborate more closely with her father in his new endeavours.
Executive chairman Andrew Rosenfield expressed his gratitude to all team members for their contributions, particularly highlighting Kari Voutilainen’s involvement in the creation of three new models this year, including the acclaimed UJ-2, which was awarded at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
Kari Voutilainen remarked, “I am excited to take on this new role which allows me much more time to do the things I am passionate about – designing and making watches. I look forward to my continued role with this historic and important brand.”
Alex Rosenfield shared in the optimism for the future, both for Voutilainen and Urban Jürgensen: “I am grateful to Kari for all he has taught me and for welcoming me to the world of watchmaking. He has been a great friend and teacher. I look forward to leading this company as we continue the over 250-year legacy of UJ.”
He further emphasised the strength of the team built in recent years, expressing anticipation for the future: “We are excited, in the coming years, to continue to share UJ with the world and to introduce watches designed by Kari as well as other luminaries of the independent watchmaking world.”
