Kris Tompkins. (Photo credit: Rolex)
Among big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Zendaya, and rising tennis stars, few have noticed that in 2025 Rolex also signed a 75-year-old conservationist as one of its newest Testimonees, making her the oldest brand ambassador among this year’s signings. Rolex normally highlights pro athletes and celebrities, so choosing a former CEO is unusual for the brand. And that is exactly what makes her selection worth writing about.
After 20 years as CEO of Patagonia, an outdoor gear company, Kris Tompkins stepped down and went on to dedicate years to protecting land and restoring wildlife in South America, a reminder that Testimonees are not limited to tennis pros, golfers and actors.
For Rolex, adding Tompkins is in line with its Perpetual Planet Initiative, as the brand continues to shape an image linked to conservation. On the Planet Visionaries podcast, which is sponsored by Rolex, she explained how deeply the Perpetual Planet partnership has supported her mission. “We started working with Rolex several years ago and it’s amazing what they’ve done for Chile and for Argentina,” she said.
Tompkins said on the podcast that “our partnership with Rolex is extraordinary and it’s fun.” She also explained how long-term collaboration only works when “the people whom you engage with really matter,” praising “the team in Geneva” as “amazing.”