Antwerp, August 31, 2020 – The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) today announced a pivotal leadership appointment, recruiting industry veteran Kim E. Pelletier to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of its pioneering B2B diamond trading platform, Get Diamonds. This strategic move reinforces Get Diamonds’ commitment to its core mission: to be the only non-profit diamond trading platform truly “By the industry, for the industry,” an ethos deeply embedded in its foundation and operations.
WFDB Appoints Industry Veteran Kim E. Pelletier as CEO of Get Diamonds: Revolutionizing B2B Diamond Trading
The global diamond industry is witnessing an accelerating digital transformation, and at the forefront of this evolution stands Get Diamonds. Owned and passionately supported by the WFDB, this platform offers a much-needed alternative in the B2B diamond trading landscape, focusing squarely on delivering unparalleled value to its members without the burden of profit motives. Its unique structure ensures that every development and every decision is made with the best interests of the diamond trade at heart, fostering an environment of trust, transparency, and collective growth.
Get Diamonds: A Global Force Driven by Innovation
Since its highly anticipated launch in March, Get Diamonds has rapidly ascended to become the largest diamond trading platform globally. Its impressive growth statistics speak volumes about the industry’s embrace of this new model: a staggering 1.3 million stones are listed, representing a colossal total value of $5.8 billion. This significant volume not only highlights the platform’s widespread adoption but also underscores the profound desire within the diamond industry for a trading solution that prioritizes community, ethical practices, and tangible added value for every participant.
The technological backbone of Get Diamonds is equally impressive, powered by Lucy Platforms, an Israel-based hi-tech company renowned for its cutting-edge solutions. Lucy Platforms leverages state-of-the-art technologies, including advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), to create a highly sophisticated and intuitive trading environment. This integration of AI allows for smarter matching between buyers and sellers, enhanced security protocols, streamlined transaction processes, and a continuously improving user experience, setting a new benchmark for digital diamond trading platforms worldwide.
A New Era of Leadership: Kim E. Pelletier Takes the Helm
To steer this extraordinary enterprise towards its full potential, the WFDB meticulously sought a leader with deep industry roots, proven expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the diamond trade. Yoram Dvash, Acting President of the WFDB, articulated this vision, stating, “We sought a strong leader from within the industry for Get Diamonds, in order for this extraordinary enterprise to reach its full potential. Kim Pelletier is—we believe—the most qualified person to take on this position.”
Kim Pelletier’s appointment is a testament to her illustrious career and her unparalleled understanding of the B2B diamond sector. As the former Sales & Marketing VP for Polygon, she not only possesses extensive experience in managing and growing B2B diamond platforms but has also demonstrated exceptional success in navigating and thriving within challenging market conditions. Her leadership is expected to infuse Get Diamonds with strategic vision, operational excellence, and a renewed focus on expanding its global footprint and member benefits.
Kim E. Pelletier’s Extensive Industry Expertise and Vision
Kim E. Pelletier brings to Get Diamonds a rich tapestry of experience woven over a long and distinguished career in the diamond and jewelry industries. Her professional journey includes leadership roles with some of the most notable brands in the sector, such as De Beers, Hearts On Fire, Memoire, and John Hardy. She most recently served as president of IGC Jewelry & Diamonds, a De Beers Sightholder, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable figure in the industry.
Throughout her career, Ms. Pelletier has demonstrated multifaceted expertise, with a primary focus on Sales and Marketing functions. She has successfully led sales teams as Vice President at prestigious organizations like Hearts On Fire and John Hardy, driving growth and market share. Beyond sales, her contributions have spanned critical areas including production, inventory forecasting, merchandising, product design, talent recruitment, and overall leadership. This diverse skill set equips her perfectly to lead Get Diamonds, orchestrating a collaborative effort among WFDB members, the Lucy Platforms team, and the broader industry to continually refine and expand a network that truly lives up to its “by the industry, for the industry” promise.
About Get Diamonds
Get Diamonds, championed and rigorously supported by the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), stands as the world’s preeminent B2B online diamond marketplace. This cutting-edge online trading platform grants trade members seamless access to an unparalleled volume and diverse variety of diamonds from across the globe. The platform boasts an impressive network of over 4,000 registered suppliers, each meticulously vetted and maintaining impeccable standing with WFDB-affiliated diamond exchanges, ensuring trust and reliability. Currently, Get Diamonds showcases a vast inventory of 1.3 million stones, collectively valued at over $5.8 billion. Complementing this extensive supply are 25,000 registered buyers from every corner of the world, fostering a vibrant and dynamic marketplace. Get Diamonds’ technological prowess is underpinned by Lucy Platforms, a recognized leader in developing advanced e-commerce solutions tailored specifically for the unique demands of the diamond industry.
About The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses, an esteemed institution established in 1947, proudly unites 30 affiliated bourse members globally. Its foundational purpose is to vigorously promote and safeguard the interests of its affiliated bourses and their individual members. Furthermore, the WFDB plays a crucial role in facilitating the amicable settlement or arbitration of disputes that may arise between individual members of the affiliated bourses, or between the bourses themselves, upholding ethical standards and fair practice. Actively fostering growth and expansion within the industry, the WFDB consistently encourages the establishment of new diamond bourses around the world. Members of these affiliated bourses commit to upholding time-honored traditions and principles: mutual trust, profound consideration, and unwavering friendship—values that are universally revered among diamond bourse members across the globe and form the bedrock of the industry’s integrity.
Shaping the Future of Diamond Trading
Kim Pelletier expressed her enthusiasm for this monumental challenge, stating, “I am both thrilled, and humbled, to be offered this exciting new challenge. A B2B diamond trading platform created by and for the members it serves is clearly an idea whose time has come.” She reflected on her fulfilling experience at Polygon, where finding innovative ways to deliver strong business value to diamond companies and retail jewelers was a key achievement. With Get Diamonds, she aims to reprise this crucial role, but now with a truly global reach and the unparalleled backing of the WFDB itself. This synergy between Pelletier’s proven leadership, Get Diamonds’ non-profit model, and the WFDB’s global influence promises to redefine the landscape of B2B diamond trading, fostering a more connected, efficient, and ethical future for the entire industry.
Under Ms. Pelletier’s guidance, Get Diamonds is poised not just to facilitate transactions but to become a central hub for industry collaboration and innovation. Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen the platform’s ability to adapt to market dynamics, implement new technologies, and consistently enhance the value proposition for its growing community of suppliers and buyers. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the journey of Get Diamonds, signaling a bright future for a platform truly built for the industry, by the industry.