Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the leading standard-setting organisation for the global jewellery and watch industry, has appointed Brad Brooks-Rubin, the former Special Advisor for Conflict Diamonds at the US Department of State, as Strategic Advisor & North America Engagement Lead. Based in Washington, D.C., he will be responsible for advancing policy and deepening connections between international policy makers, NGOs and RJC member companies.
Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director of RJC, said, “We are excited to welcome Brad to the RJC team. He is highly regarded for his multi-stakeholder expertise and has a proven track record of successfully connecting policy makers, NGOs, industry and the broader community. Brad has a critical role to play in advancing policy. I look forward to working with him to sharpen RJC’s focus on encouraging and enabling the acceleration of collective action within the global jewellery and watch industry through the implementation of the RJC Code of Practices towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, during the Decade of Action.”
David Bouffard, Chair of RJC, added, “Brad represents the calibre of expertise and action that the RJC will support in this era of sustainable development. His experience in responsible sourcing and engaging with civil society will be invaluable to our 1,500 member companies worldwide, and in deepening consumer confidence in our industry.”
Speaking about his new role at RJC, Brooks-Rubin said, “I am thrilled to join RJC at this critical time for the jewellery and watch supply chain. Urgent issues related to climate, human and labour rights, gender/racial equity, and sustainable development face the industry – and planet. I am grateful to have the opportunity to build on my years of experience connected to the industry and engage with policymakers in Washington to bring the industry’s efforts forward. I also look forward to working closely with current and future members to ensure they have the support they need to implement the RJC Code of Practices standard.”
Brooks-Rubin was previously Director of Global Development and Beneficiation at Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He is a recipient of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s Stanley Schechter Award and is a published author. He holds a Doctor of Law (JD) degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis.