Lab-Grown Retailer Hires Exec for US Push

RAPAPORT... UK-based synthetic-diamond-jewelry retailer Lark & Berryhas hired Paul Ziff as its brand manager for North America. Ziff was previously a brand president at both Richemont andLVMH, and has held executive positions at Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry,Zenith Watches, and Ferragamo Timepieces. He will be responsible for helping tolaunch Lark & Berry's products in the North American market. "I am very excited...to launch this fresh, new concept inNorth America," Ziff said last week. "It's such a rare and unique brand thatcaptures the spirit of innovation by offering an alternative choice in atraditional industry. I feel confident that the time is right, and the marketwill be very receptive." This is not the first time Ziff has introduced a brand tothe North American market. He successfully launched Chopard Jewelrythere, at a time when branded jewelry was seen as a disruptive force, Lark & Berrynoted. "I was thrilled to learn that after having worked so longfor the most established luxury brands in the world, Paul was eager to take achance on [us]," said Lark & Berry cofounder Laura Chavez. "He knows we'rea young company taking a big chance by doing diamonds differently than everyoneelse on the market, and he loves that about us." Image: Paul Ziff. (Lark & Berry)