Titan Industries Limited, the country's leading watch and jewellery major, on Tuesday appointed Harish Bhat, vice president (sales & marketing), has been appointed chief operating officer of Tanishq, Titan's jewellery division.

Bhat takes over the reins of Tanishq from Jacob Kurian, who announced his decision to pursue other opportunities outside the company earlier this month.

The jewellery division's dramatic turnaround and transformation into a rapidly growing, viable long-term business has been one of the high points of the past three years, for the company.

Kurian, who was the architect of this turnaround, welcomed the transition, saying: "Harish has successfully led the sales, marketing and retailing efforts of Tanishq over the past two years. He brings strong strategic, operational and leadership skills which will stand Tanishq in good stead."

Harish Bhat has been with the Tata group for over sixteen years. A member of the Tata Administrative Service, he moved to Tanishq two years ago. His previous experience in Tata Tea spanned the areas of FMCG marketing, sales and distribution, and strategic planning.

He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from BITS, Pilani and is an MBA from IIM, Ahmedabad.