Stephen Lussier to Retire After 37 Years With De Beers
Tiffany executive Mark Jacheet will succeed Lussier, who officially steps down in April.
The company announced Thursday that Lussier will step down as executive vice president of brands and consumer markets in April, marking the end of a run that began when he made the jump from De Beers’ former U.S. ad agency, N.W. Ayer, to De Beers proper in the mid-‘80s.
Former Tiffany & Co. Executive Marc Jacheet will succeed Lussier, joining the company as CEO, De Beers Brands.
Lussier said: “Having had the privilege of guiding De Beers’ consumer strategy and businesses for the past three decades, I am proud of the markets we have opened, the brands we have built and the diamond dream that has guided us at every step.
“I am particularly pleased to have identified Marc as an individual with the insight and leadership skills to guide De Beers’ consumer strategy forward into an exciting new era for the group and the diamond industry.”
Lussier joined De Beers in 1985 and, by 1993, had moved to London to head marketing for De Beers worldwide.
It was under Lussier’s watch that the company launched some of its most well-known consumer marketing campaigns and products, including the popular Journey diamond jewelry beacon program and the famous “Shadows” advertising campaign from the 1990s.
He also served on the company’s executive committee and headed Forevermark for more than a decade before stepping back from the diamond brand in 2019 and moving into his current role as executive vice president of brands and consumer markets.
Last year, Jewelers of America announced that Lussier would be the recipient of the 2022 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement, an honor he will receive at the Gem Awards ceremony this March in New York.
De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver described Lussier’s impact on De Beers and the diamond industry as “singular and wide-reaching.”
“For 37 years, [Stephen] has shaped the soul of our product and reminded us of the preciousness, beauty and positive impact of natural diamonds,” he said. “We thank him for all he has done for De Beers, to which his name and legacy will be forever linked.”
Lussier will step down from his executive responsibilities on April 1 but continue to work as a strategic adviser to De Beers and remain chairman of the Natural Diamond Council.
Jacheet is set to join De Beers on Feb. 1.
He has worked in marketing and digital for luxury goods and jewelry for more than 25 years.
Most recently, Jacheet served as president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa for Tiffany & Co. Prior to that, he headed the Asia Pacific region for the jeweler.
He also has held global marketing roles with LVMH, Danone and Unilever in Europe and the United States.
In addition to his role as CEO of De Beers Brands, Jacheet will serve on the company’s executive committee.
The Latest
Consumers today are looking for a little escape, and jewelry is the perfect avenue to provide it, presenters at the Vicenzaoro show said.
The “Extraordinary Lovers” collection features engagement rings with enamel scenes inspired by art and mythology.
BIPOC designers can apply for a spot in the mentorship program’s third cohort until Oct. 8.
Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
The luxury giant recently completed its acquisition of the Italian jewelry brand.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship provides tuition help to aspiring bench jewelers.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the best jewelry looks from the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
The lab will include reference numbers on reports for cultured pearls that contain bead nuclei embedded with an RFID tag.
Lilian Raji offers advice to a reader frustrated with the current state of their company’s website.
The actress shared her inspiration for the collection, insight into her personal style, and which jewels President Barbie would wear.
Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah admitted to dodging customs duties on more than $13.5 million of jewelry imported into the U.S.
The new boutique is located on Madison Avenue.
The company’s fourth location worldwide will focus on its AI-powered gem document, the Gem Passport.
Its next event will take place in D.C. on Sept. 17 and in New York City on Oct. 29.
The artist opted for big yellow diamond earrings, a vintage chain, and white metals at the annual MTV awards show.
The Swiss watchmaker has created limited-edition timepieces for all 32 National Football League teams.
This carved jasper and yellow-diamond-eyed cat brooch from 1962 is the perfect accessory for Friday the 13th.
The jewelry giant said it expects to see an uptick in engagements in the second half of the year.
Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America
The brand is celebrating its upcoming 55th anniversary with modern designs that pay tribute to its history.
Those interested can apply online now through Nov. 15.
Its “Her-ology” report highlights trends in the women’s luxury watch market, from top brands to movement preferences.
The smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini, only available at Adalina in Chicago, is served with a 9-carat diamond tennis necklace.
Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.
Customers in more than 150 countries can now shop at the jewelry retailer’s online store.
The organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).