Two industry heavyweights have been appointed to Diamond Empowerment Fund’s (DEF) board of directors.
The new additions are David Prager, head of corporate affairs for the De Beers Group of Companies, and Kent Wong Siu Kee, managing director of Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group.
“With the addition of David and Kent on our board, DEF is truly representative of the global diamond and jewellery industry,” said Phyllis Bergman, board president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Mercury Ring.
Prager has worked with civil society, media, and governments, which DEF says will be especially helpful as it expands its ‘diamonds-do-good’ mission to global communities.
“Diamonds are a finite resource, pushing us to ensure we are using them to add value to the communities we work in, the infrastructure we rely on, and the colleagues we work with,” Prager said.
“Since its founding, DEF has helped the industry shine a light on the positive role diamonds play in the journey from mine to finger, enabling consumers to be proud of the diamonds they own.”
DEF says Wong will broaden its worldwide representation to the important and growing diamond and jewellery sector in Hong Kong and Mainland China. In 2012, Forbes named him one of the “25 Influential Chinese in Global Fashion.”
“As a vertically integrated jewellery retailer that is active in all aspects of the diamond and jewellery supply chain, we understand the importance of supporting communities along the diamond’s journey,” Wong said. “I am eager to help further extend DEF’s mission and communicate to consumers around the world these good works.”
