Guy Leymarie has announced his decision to step down from the post of CEO of De Beers Diamond Jewellers, as his contract ends on 1st January 2010. De Beers Diamond Jewellers is a joint venture between De Beers and LVMH.

Leymarie has been associated with the company since 2004 and now wishes to step down to pursue other interests. He will be succeeded by Francois Delage who has been leading the launch of the Forevermark since the past two years. Gareth Penny, Chairman of De Beers Diamond Jewellers said, “On behalf of both LVMH and De Beers, we wish to thank Guy Leymarie for his commitment and leadership in establishing De Beers Diamond Jewellers as a global player. We are pleased to have someone of Francois’ unique diamond and jewellery retail experience in place to take De Beers Diamond Jewellers into its next phase of development. Francois will work together with Guy over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.”

Prior to his association with De Beers Diamond Jewellers, Delage was President of Louis Vuitton Asia-Pacific based in Hong Kong. With Delage taking the new position as CEO of De Beers Diamond Jewellers, his position as CEO of Forevermark will be now taken by Stephen Lussier. In addition to his role with Forevermark, Lussier will remain the De Beers Group Executive Director for External and Corporate Affairs. Lussier’s long experience as De Beers Worldwide Director of Marketing will make for a seamless transition and maintain the brand momentum Forevermark has been building with recent launches in China, Hong Kong and Japan.