Responsible Jewellery Council Bolsters Leadership with Key Board and Executive Committee Elections

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), a leading standards organization for the global jewellery and watch industry, recently concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 9th. This pivotal event saw the election of three distinguished members to its Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, alongside nine new members joining the Board. These strategic appointments are set to further strengthen RJC’s dedication to fostering sustainable and responsible business practices across the entire value chain, from mine to retail.

A Unified Vision for a Sustainable Future

RJC Chairman David Bouffard articulated the organization’s core strength, emphasizing the collective power derived from its extensive network. “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,” Bouffard stated. He further highlighted the anticipated impact of the newly elected leaders, noting, “These newly elected leaders, working with a highly talented set of existing board members, will accelerate our efforts through diverse perspectives and deep knowledge. Congratulations to them all.” This sentiment underscores the RJC’s continuous evolution and its proactive approach to integrating fresh insights and expertise into its governance and strategic initiatives.

The Responsible Jewellery Council stands as a beacon for ethical practices, human rights, social responsibility, and environmental performance within the jewellery and watch sector. Its certification scheme provides a credible mechanism for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to these principles, building consumer trust and fostering a more transparent industry. The strength of its board directly translates into the effectiveness of its standards and the reach of its influence, making these elections particularly significant for the future trajectory of responsible jewellery worldwide.

Driving Executive Leadership: New Appointments to the Executive Committee

The Executive Committee plays a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction and operational oversight of the RJC. The recent elections brought in new leadership that promises to invigorate the organization’s pursuit of its ambitious goals. These leaders bring a wealth of experience and a clear vision for advancing the RJC’s mission.

Edward Asscher Elected as Vice Chair: A Champion for SMEs

A significant election during the AGM was that of Edward Asscher from Royal Asscher, who was appointed as the new Vice Chair. Having joined the board in 2022, Asscher’s swift elevation to Vice Chair reflects the profound trust placed in his leadership capabilities and deep industry knowledge. Commenting on his new role, Asscher expressed his enthusiasm: “Now that I have been elected to the board, I feel strongly supported to further the goals of the RJC: sustainability, diversity and continuously improving the standards.”

Asscher’s commitment extends beyond general principles; he brings a focused dedication to empowering smaller entities within the industry. “I draw on my long experience to advance our goals, especially for the small and medium enterprises,” he emphasized. This focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is critically important, as these businesses form the backbone of the jewellery supply chain globally. Ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and support to adopt responsible practices is essential for achieving widespread industry transformation. His leadership is expected to facilitate greater inclusivity and provide practical pathways for businesses of all sizes to engage with and benefit from RJC standards.

Udi Sheintal Steps in as Honorary Secretary: Strengthening Collaborative Efforts

The role of Honorary Secretary, vital for internal governance and communication, will now be filled by Udi Sheintal from the World Diamond Council. Sheintal articulated his gratitude and readiness to contribute: “I am honoured and grateful for the show of trust from RJC members and look forward to joining the RJC Officers in contributing to the organisation’s important work.” His involvement is particularly noteworthy given his background with the World Diamond Council, an organization deeply committed to preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate supply chain. This experience aligns perfectly with the RJC’s broader mandate of ensuring integrity and responsibility across all facets of the jewellery trade, promising robust support for the RJC’s strategic objectives and collaborative initiatives.

Feriel Zerouki Re-elected as Honorary Treasurer: Sustaining Financial Integrity and Sustainability Drive

Continuity and steadfast commitment are evident in the re-election of Feriel Zerouki from De Beers as Honorary Treasurer. Her renewed mandate signals confidence in her financial stewardship and her unwavering advocacy for sustainability within the industry. Zerouki passionately reaffirmed her dedication: “With stakeholder focus on sustainability growing ever sharper, it is vital that the jewellery industry adopts the highest standards of practice. I’m therefore delighted to be re-elected treasurer of the RJC as it continues to expand its membership and delivers wider positive impact with its leading sustainability agenda.”

Her re-election comes at a time when environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly scrutinized by consumers, investors, and regulators alike. Zerouki’s continued presence ensures that RJC’s financial management supports its ambitious sustainability projects and its ongoing expansion, enabling the organization to amplify its positive impact globally. Her deep understanding of the diamond industry, coupled with De Beers’ own significant investments in sustainability, provides invaluable expertise to the RJC’s Executive Committee.

Diverse Voices Join the Board: Representation Across the Supply Chain

The RJC’s strength lies in its comprehensive representation across every segment of the jewellery and watch supply chain. The election results for the RJC Member Forum exemplify this commitment to diverse perspectives, ensuring that the Board is reflective of the intricate global industry it serves. Each director is elected to represent their respective forum, providing a direct voice for their segment and contributing to holistic decision-making.

Producers and Miners: Ensuring Responsible Sourcing at the Source

Representing the critical **Diamond, Gold and/or Platinum Group Metals Producer Forum**, Zara Boltd from Lucara Diamonds and Purvi Shah from De Beers were elected. Their roles are paramount in ensuring that responsible mining and production practices are upheld at the very beginning of the supply chain. This includes adherence to environmental regulations, fair labor practices, and community engagement, establishing a foundation of integrity for all subsequent stages.

Traders, Cutters, and Polishers: Ethical Processing and Transparency

For the **Diamond Trader and/or Cutter and Polisher Forum**, Michael Steinmetz from Leo Schachter Diamonds was elected. This segment of the industry is crucial for transforming raw materials into exquisite gems, and his representation emphasizes the importance of ethical trading, responsible cutting, and transparent business operations in this transformative phase.

Philip Reisert from C. Hafner was re-elected to represent the **Gold & Platinum Group Metals Trader, Refiner, or Hedger Forum**. His continued leadership ensures that the complex processes of trading, refining, and hedging precious metals are conducted with the highest standards of integrity, traceability, and environmental responsibility, safeguarding the provenance of these valuable materials.

Retailers: Connecting Ethical Products to Consumers

The **Retailer Forum** saw the election of Colleen Rooney from Signet Jewelers and Reout Kallati from Kallati International. Retailers are the direct link to the consumer, and their representation on the board is vital for understanding market demands for ethically sourced products and for communicating the value of responsible practices to the end-buyer. Their presence ensures that RJC standards are practical and beneficial for customer-facing businesses, fostering consumer confidence in the jewellery they purchase.

Service Industries: Upholding Standards and Logistics

In the **Service Industries Forum**, Kareena Shahani from IGI India and Rajesh Neelakanta from Sequel Secure Logistics were elected. The service sector plays an indispensable role in maintaining the integrity and security of the supply chain. Shahani’s expertise from the International Gemological Institute (IGI) highlights the importance of independent certification and grading, while Neelakanta’s background in secure logistics underscores the critical need for safe, transparent, and responsible transportation of high-value goods.

Trade Associations: Fostering Industry-Wide Collaboration

Finally, the **Trade Association Forum** welcomed Gaetano Cavalieri from CIBJO and Bernadette Pinet Couq from BJOP. Trade associations are crucial for uniting industry players, advocating for common interests, and disseminating best practices. Their representation on the RJC board ensures robust collaboration and a unified voice in promoting responsible business across the industry, facilitating broader adoption of RJC standards and principles.

A Unified Approach to Global Responsibility

The newly constituted Board and Executive Committee are poised to work in close collaboration with RJC Executive Director Melanie Grant and her dedicated management team. This unified leadership structure is essential as the organization continues to lead and advance responsible business practices across the global jewellery and watch supply chain.

The elections mark a renewed commitment to the RJC’s mission, bringing fresh perspectives and deep industry knowledge to the forefront. The collective expertise of these elected leaders will accelerate RJC’s efforts in key areas such as human rights, environmental stewardship, and supply chain integrity. Through their guidance, the RJC aims to further embed sustainability into the core of the jewellery industry, ensuring a future where ethical practices are not just an aspiration, but a universally upheld standard.

With an ever-growing membership and an increasingly influential voice, the Responsible Jewellery Council is more vital than ever in navigating the complexities of modern global supply chains. These strategic leadership appointments underscore the industry’s collective resolve to meet evolving stakeholder expectations and to build a jewellery sector that is truly responsible, transparent, and sustainable for generations to come.