PARIS, Mar 2, 2004/ FW/ --- LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton announced today the appointment of Guy Leymarie as CEO of De Beers LV, the recently established J.V. of De Beers SA and LVMH.

Mr. Leymarie is bringing on board years of experience in luxury retailer, having held numerous management responsibilities within Richemont Group, as CEO of Dunhill and subsequently Cartier.

He replaces Alain Lorenzo who is moving back to Paris to carry on new assignments on behalf of LVMH.

Speaking on behalf of both shareholders, Mr Gary Ralfe, Chairman of De Beers LV, declared , “We thank Alain Lorenzo for his key contribution to the creation of our venture. The successful opening of our first stores in London and Japan is very promising for the future of the De Beers Brand.

“We welcome Guy Leymarie and are confident that he will continue to develop the De Beers brand and company to the next level with his great experience in jewelry and luxury retail,” he added.