Aber Diamond - Appointment To The Board

Aber Diamond Corporation (TSE-ABZ, NASDAQ-ABER) announced the appointment of Thomas O'Neill to its board of directors. O'Neill is president of the Burberry Group, a British retailer of luxury goods. He is also a member of its board of directors.

O'Neil's background is in luxury retailing. His appointment to Aber's board of directors is apparently part of the company's desire to integrate itself into the downstream jewelry industry.

O'Neill started his career in luxury retailing with Tiffany & Co. in 1984. His last position there was as Executive Vice President with responsibility for international markets. In 1997, O'Neill left Tiffany to become President of Louis Vuitton, Americas and CEO of the fashion house, Marc Jacobs.

He went on to serve as the President and CEO of the LVMH Fashion Group in the Americas. In 2000, he was moved to Paris and appointed President and CEO of the newly created LVMH Jewelry Division. He joined Burberry in 2001.