Iris Van der Veken, the former Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), has been appointed as Executive Director and Secretary General, effective 12th July 2022, of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI2030) launched by Cartier and Kering Group.
Iris will directly report to the board of the WJI2030, and will be based in Geneva. With a background in law and international relations, she has more than 20 years of global experience working in fast-paced environments including the technology, jewellery and fashion industries, as well as the public sector.
Iris has held different strategic leadership positions in the areas of public affairs, international relations, human resources, sustainability, and operations. She is a board member of ISEAL and Diamonds Do Good.
Commenting on her appointment, Iris said, “I am humbled and honoured to lead this C suite coalition. I look forward to working with our members and key stakeholders including BJOP, CIBJO, FH, FHH, GIT, GJPC ICA, JA, JLF, Responsible Jewellery Council, WJA, along the value chain to deliver collective impact and drive consumer confidence. I believe multi-stakeholder partnerships can truly accelerate the sustainability agenda and reporting on measurable progress is critical to enhance trust and transparency.”
Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Iris as the new Executive Director of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030. We are confident that under Iris’ leadership, we will be able to accelerate change and enable action throughout the global jewellery and watch supply chain.”