This week we're joined by Carole Hübscher, the CEO of Caran d'Ache, a luxury Swiss brand renowned for its exceptional writing and drawing instruments. Carole is the fourth generation of her family to lead the company, and she brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. In the latest Cass Couch episode, we jump into the world of Caran d'Ache, exploring the brand's rich history, its commitment to craftsmanship, and its innovative approach to design. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the luxury goods industry, and the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in today's world. Carole shares her insights on leadership, creativity, and the future of the luxury market, offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives.
Carole Hübscher is a Swiss entrepreneur who has been CEO of Caran d'Ache since 2012 and is the fourth generation to head the company. Carole graduated from hotel management school in Geneva and initially worked in a hotel. To gain experience abroad, she then worked for the Caran d'Ache wholesaler in the United States for two years. After returning to Switzerland, she began working in Caran d'Ache's international sales department.
Since 2002, Carole sat on the board of directors of Caran d'Ache, and since 2007 she was prepared by her father to take over the leadership When asked in 2012 if it was difficult for a woman to succeed three men, she denied it in an interview, saying, "When I was appointed president of the board of directors a few months ago, I received a touching message from the women in the company. They were so proud to see one of their own on the board." She says she is committed to promoting women in business, but is an opponent of quotas for women
Caran D’Ache was founded in 1915 by Arnold Schweitzer in Switzerland, and took flight nine years later when he purchased the Ecridor Pencil Factory. The company is named after a Russian dialect word for pencil, and despite the company’s many other products, including pens and ballpoints, it is these that have remained the centre of its fame. Their coloured pencils are available in almost every colour and every grade, and have remained a benchmark for a century
Learn more about the full history of Caran D'ache here.
1929 Fixpencil, metallic clutch pencil, a world’s first.
1931 Prismalo, water-soluble pencil, a world’s first.
1952 Neocolor, wax pastels.
1966 Fibralo, fibre tipped pens with water-based ink.
1985 The Fine Arts range is launched with Neopastel.
1988 Supracolor Soft, the water-soluble colour pencil.
1990 Pablo, the water-resistant pencil.
2006 Graphite Line, products dedicated to the shades of black.
2010 Luminance 6901, the colour pencil with the highest light fastness.
2013 Museum Aquarelle, extra-fine soft water colour in pencil form.
2018 Started producing Swiss Wood-certified pencils for long-lasting and sustainable writing.
2019 For their 100th anniversary Caran D'ache collaborated with Fashion Designer Paul Smith
2024 Collaboration with acclaimed illustrator and writer, Oliver Jeffers. on the Luminance 6901™ Creative Set
EXPLORE THE CARAN D'ACHE RANGE
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