The Washington Companies hired Patrick Evans to act as CEO of Dominion Diamond Corp., Bloomberg News reported Aug. 10, citing an email from The Washington Companies President Lawrence Simkins.

The appointment of Evans, who served as president and CEO of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. until stepping down in June, will be effective upon completion of the acquisition of Dominion Diamond by The Washington Companies.

The Washington Companies is acquiring Dominion Diamond for US$14.25 per share in cash, valuing the diamond miner at about US$1.2 billion. The deal was announced in mid-July and is expected to close in the fourth quarter.