Time for diplomacy. (Photo credit: WHHA)
Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this week for a meeting with President Donald J. Trump, joined by a small group of Swiss business leaders.
The meeting was not publicly disclosed. On Tuesday evening, Trump posted on social media that it had been his “Great Honor to just meet with high level Representatives of Switzerland.” He was joined by his son Eric and daughter-in-law Lara, neither of whom holds a government position.
According to people familiar with the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Johann Rupert, chairman of Richemont, was also present, along with Daniel Jaeggi, co-founder of energy trader Mercuria, and Alfred Gantner, co-founder of Partners Group.
The Swiss government confirmed it had been informed of the visit and said it provided support during preparations, but noted that the discussions took place “independently of the Federal Council’s involvement in this matter.”