PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
Events & AwardsMay 25, 2018
Baselworld’s Managing Director Steps Down
Sylvie Ritter is out after 15 years heading the watch and jewelry trade show.
Sylvie Ritter, pictured here third from left at the opening press conference for the 2017 edition of Baselworld, is stepping down after 15 years as the watch and jewelry trade show’s managing director.
Basel, Switzerland--Sylvie Ritter has resigned as the managing director of Baselworld as the European watch and jewelry trade show struggles with declining attendance and a mass exodus among exhibitors.
The MCH Group, the Swiss trade show company that owns and operates Baselworld, made the announcement Friday, stating that members of the Comité Consultatif “very much regret” her decision to step down.
Ritter has been with the MCH Group for 26 years and has been heading the Baselworld watch and jewelry trade show for 15 of those. She said in the release announcing her departure, “It’s time for me to start something new and take on new challenges.”
Ritter oversaw the growth of Baselworld, which transformed from primarily being a showcase for Swiss watches into a major international watch and jewelry show that included almost every major luxury brand. It became “sexier and more glamorous,” as one jewelry designer put it.
As the show’s profile rose, however, so did prices, and exhibitors large and small—among them Stephen Webster, Mikimoto, Shinola, Marco Bicego and Movado Group—left.
The 2018 edition of the watch and jewelry trade show was half of the size of 2017 and was shorter by two days. An article by veteran watch reporter Joe Thompson published after the show questioned if there would even be a Baselworld in 2020.
An attorney who started his career in private banking, Loris-Melikoff joined the MCH Group three years ago as director of its operations in Lausanne, Switzerland.
He has been working in the trade show and events industry for a total of 20 years, starting as the president of the Zurich Street Parade and running St. Jakobshalle in Basel before being hired by MCH.
There will be changes under Loris-Melikoff’s leadership for the jewelry, precious gemstone and watch sectors of the watch and jewelry trade show, and in the catering, hospitality and events that surround it in the Swiss city of Basel, MCH Group said.
No further details on the changes—including any changes in price—are available at this time as they are still being developed and discussed, a spokesman for Baselworld said Friday.
Loris-Melikoff said they will be expanding the Baselworld team, and the show’s newspaper, the “Baselworld Daily News,” will be returning in print form in 2019.
The 2019 version of Baselworld is scheduled for March 21 to 26.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
