Baselworld bids farewell to Sylvie Ritter

Sylvie Ritter has reportedly stepped down from her role as managing director of Baselworld after 15 years in the post. Ritter has been with the MCH Group, which organises Baselworld, the watch and jewellery industry’s trade show – for 26 years.

“After 26 years with the MCH Group, it’s time for me to take on new challenges,” Ritter said.

She has often been referred to as the “driving force” behind Baselworld’s success. Ten years ago, the fair recorded 2,087 exhibitors. In 2011, the fair had 2,000 exhibitors. The numbers have continued to dip – this year, only 650 exhibitors attended, a 50 per cent drop from the 1,300 exhibitors, who were there last year.

Ritter will be replaced by Michel Loris-Melikoff, who joined the MCH Group three years ago as director of MCH Beaulieu Lausanne. He starts on July 1.

Loris-Melikoff was in private banking before he switched to event management 20 years ago.He was the managing director of St. Jakobshalle, an arena near Basel used primarily for sport and concert events, before joining MCH Group.

He will focus on reviving Baselworld’s jewellery segment, while new concepts for the watch and precious stone sectors will be developed. Improvements in catering, hospitality and events management – the main areas of complaints at Baselworld this year – are also on his priority list.