TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Toronto-based Harry Winston Diamond Corp has named Frédéric de Narp as president and CEO of Harry Winston Inc, its New York-based jewellery and watch subsidiary, effective January 4, 2010.

Harry Winston, formerly known as Aber Diamonds, bought high-end jewellery retailer Harry Winston in 2006. The company also owns a stake in the Diavik diamond mine, in Canada's Northwest Territories.

De Narp was previously president and CEO at Cartier North America, and replaces Tom O'Neill at Harry Winston Inc.

“Frédéric brings high energy as well as a clear vision of the relevance of luxury and jewelry to the modern world,” Harry Winston Diamonds CEO Robert Gannicott said in a statement.

“His industry expertise, combined with our company's unrivalled position in the market, will play an integral role in the development and growth of the Harry Winston business and brand internationally."

Shares in Harry Winston slid 2% on Friday, to C$10,26 apiece by 13:35 in Toronto.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index was down 135,34 points, dragged down by weak mining and metals stocks, after gold prices dropped on Friday.

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.