RJC Names New Board & Committee Members

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world’s leading standard setting organisation for the entire jewellery and watch supply chain, has announced new appointments to their Board and Committees at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week.

The RJC welcomed members to their virtual AGM, in which members participated from across the globe on 5th May.

During the meeting, David Bouffard, RJC Chair, and Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Signet announced the results of elections to the RJC Board of Directors.

Elections were held in each RJC Member Forum and for Board officers. Each elected Director will represent their respective forum in the jewellery and watch supply chain, from mine to retail. The appointments are:

  • Ayesha Hira (Lucara Diamonds) – Diamond, coloured stones and/or precious metals producer forum.
  • Didier Backaert (Bonas & Co) – Diamond and/or coloured stones traders, cutters and polishers forum.
  • Ivana Ciabatti (Italpreziosi) – Precious metals traders, refiners and/or hedgers forum.
  • Giorgio Bodei (Pomellato) – Jewellery manufacturer or wholesaler forum.
  • Puni Mehta (DNJ Creation) – Jewellery manufacturer or wholesaler forum.
  • Isabelle Poly (Piaget/Jaeger LeCoultre) – Jewellery retailer forum.
  • Debbie Azar (GSI) – Service industries forum.
  • Michael Lerche (Plumb Club) – Trade association forum.

In addition two officers were re-elected to the Board:

  • David Bouffard (Signet Jewelers Ltd.) – Chair
  • Peter Karakchiev (Alrosa) – Vice Chair

The Board and Officers will work closely with the RJC’s Executive Director, Iris Van Der Veken, and her management team as the organisation continues to lead and drive forward responsible practices across the global jewellery and watch supply chain.

Today, RJC’s membership has grown in excess of 1,400 members – uniting companies and associations with the shared belief that all jewellery should be produced responsibly, contributing to prosperity and preservation of the planet.

Bouffard said: “Together, we are helping transform the world’s jewellery supply chains to be even more responsible and sustainable. In doing so, we are strengthening consumer confidence in the global jewellery industry, and underpinning its future with greater trust, so people around the world continue to hold jewellery close to their hearts for centuries to come.”

Van der Veken said: “It has never been more important that standards of responsibility are upheld right across the global jewellery and watch supply chain. We have an important role to play as the voice for the industry on its most critical sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.”

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