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MajorsSep 30, 2016
Report: Graff Diamonds’ Henri Barguirdjian Steps Down
The man who headed the North American market for the high-end jeweler is said to be in talks to acquire the Marina B. brand.
New York--The CEO of Graff Diamonds North America, Henri Barguirdjian, has stepped down from his position and is reportedly in talks for a new venture.
According to Women’s Wear Daily, Barguirdjian, along with former John Hardy Creative Director and co-owner Guy Bedarida, could become the new owners of Marina B., the jewelry brand started by Marina Bulgari.
Neither Marina B. nor Graff Diamonds could be reached for comment by press time but a statement sourced to Graff Diamonds and reported by numerous news outlets reads, “After 16 years as CEO of Graff North America, Henri Barguirdjian has retired to pursue his personal interests. Henri made a substantial contribution during his time with the business and all at Graff wish him well for the future.”
The current owner of the Marina B. brand is Windsor Jewelers founder Paul Lubetsky, who purchased it in 2010.
Should the deal go through, Barguirdjian will own the brand with Bedarida, with the former handling the business side while the latter is in charge of the creative side, WWD reported.
Barguirdjian has been heading Graff Diamonds since 2000. WWD also said that he has partnered with businessman Philip Falcone to create Arcot Finance, dealing with the buying and selling of gemstones.
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