Aber Diamond Corp., Toronto, appointed several new executives to key management roles at Harry Winston.

After the company’s acquisition of a 51% controlling interest in Harry Winston on April 2, Harry Winston has a renewed focus on its core strength—the most remarkable diamond jewelry in the world—and aims to revitalize the Harry Winston brand on a global basis, Aber said in a release.

Peter Schneirla was named vice chairman of Harry Winston and vice president of Aber Diamond Corp. Schneirla is responsible for merchandising, manufacturing, and gemstone acquisition. A world-renowned gemologist and jewelry expert, Schneirla was formerly the head of P.C. Schneirla, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in the purchase and sale of important jewelry and gemstones. From 1984 to 1992 he was senior vice president of Jewelry and Manufacturing for Tiffany & Co.

Jim Seuss was named president of retail and wholesale. Seuss began his career in luxury retailing at Tiffany & Co in 1989, where he helped to build the company’s international business, particularly in Asia and Europe. From 1997 to 2001, he served as the managing director of Tiffany & Co. UK. In 2001, He joined the Gucci Group as CEO of Stella McCartney.

Ray Simpson was named COO of Harry Winston and vice president of corporate development at Aber Diamond Corp. Simpson’s diamond industry experience ranges from mining to retail development. He was the head of business development at De Beers from 1986 – 2001. He helped to establish the jointly owned De Beers LV retail operation, and served as its director of operations from 2001-2003.

Robert Scott will continue to serve as CFO of Harry Winston. Scott joined the company in 1991, and has been a key executive in various financial roles. He began his career in 1982 at Drexel Burnham Lambert, followed by eight years in public accounting at Robbins, Greene, Horowitz and Grant Thornton. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

Susan Korb was named chief marketing officer. Korb was formerly the President of Assouline, the international publishing company. She started her career in luxury retailing at Tiffany & Co where she spent 17 years; last as head of marketing communications. From 1997 – 2001, she was senior vice president of global marketing for Christie’s International.

Charles Stanley was named vice president of market development at Harry Winston and director of market research at Aber Diamond Corp. Stanley is responsible for developing the company’s strategic growth plans and market research. From 1994 to 1999, he was at De Beers, overseeing marketing in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Australia. In 2002, he joined De Beers LV as part of the initial management start up team for launching the new De Beers brand.

“I am really excited to have such a talented team in place,” said Tom O’Neill, CEO of Harry Winston and president of Aber Diamond Corp. “With their collective international expertise, I am confident that we can solidify Harry Winston’s position as the pre-eminent diamond jewelry company. Our focus will be on growing our core business while continuing to set the highest standards in the industry.”

Founded in 1932, Harry Winston is one of the world’s most prestigious diamond jewelers, and is at the forefront of American luxury goods brands. The Harry Winston name is synonymous with the most famous gemstones and jewelry designs in the world, including the Hope Diamond, the Jonker Diamond, the Taylor-Burton Diamond, the Star of Sierra Leone, and the Star of Independence. Headquartered on Fifth Avenue in New York, the company maintains six salons in some of the most desirable shopping areas around the world: New York City, Beverly Hills, Paris, Geneva, Tokyo, and Osaka; and will open in Taipei and Las Vegas this fall.

JCK