Change of leadership for Responsible Jewellery Council

Edward Asscher has been appointed vice chair of the executive committee. He is currently serving his second term as president of the World Diamond Council and was formerly the owner of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.

Udi Sheintal of the World Diamond Council will serve as honourary secretary, and Feriel Zerouki of De Beers was re-elected as honourary treasurer.

“[The] RJC’s strength comes from the engagement of our 1,700 committed members, a deeply experienced board and executive leadership team, and a shared belief in building sustainable, responsible business practices across our industry,” RJC chair David Bouffard said in a statement. 

“These newly elected leaders, working with a highly talented set of existing board members, will accelerate our efforts through diverse perspectives and deep knowledge.”

Zara Boltd (Lucara Diamonds) and Purvi Shah (De Beers) will represent the gold/platinum metals producers forum, while Michael Steinmetz (Leo Schachter Diamonds) will represent the diamond trader and cutter/polisher forum.

Philip Reisert (C. Hafner) was re-elected to represent the gold and platinum trader, refiner, or hedger forum, while Colleen Rooney (Signet Jewelers) and Reout Kallati (Kallati International) represent the retailer forum.

Kareena Shahani (IGI India) and Rajesh Neelakanta (Sequel Secure Logistics) will represent the service-industries forum. Gaetano Cavalieri (CIBJO) and Bernadette Pinet Couq (BJOP) are appointed to the trade-association forum.

In January, the RJC confirmed the appointment of Melanie Grant as executive director, replacing John Hall.

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