Helzberg Diamond names new CEO

Omaha, Neb. Berkshire Hathaway said Monday that it has hired jewelry executive Beryl Raff away from Plano, Texas-based J.C. Penney Co. to become chairman and CEO of Helzberg Diamond Shops, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Raff, former executive VP and general merchandise manager of fine jewelry at J.C. Penney, will replace Marvin Beasley, who resigned effective Monday.

Raff joined J.C. Penney in 2001 from Irving-based Zale Corp., where she was chairman and CEO.