Edward Asscher named WDC president

by eyetee | May 21, 2014 2:34 pm

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Fifth-generation diamantaire Edward Asscher has been appointed president of the World Diamond Council (WDC).

“I am looking forward to continue the work of both my predecessors to whom we all are grateful,” said Asscher, who heads up Royal Asscher Diamond Co. in the Netherlands.

“The board and I will give new energy to implement the Kimberley Process, which has been so successful in preventing conflict diamonds getting into the trade. Consumers must remain able to maintain confidence in our products, and the well-being of all who are involved in the diamond trade must be the focus of our mission. That is the legacy I want to be able to pass on to the next generation of young adults who work in the diamond industry, wherever in the world.”

Andrew Bone, De Beers Group’s head of government and industry relations, was elected WDC vice-president, and Ronnie VanderLinden, representative of the U.S. coalition and president of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA), was named WDC treasurer.

The vote for WDC officers took place during the first formal meeting of the organization’s 20-person board of directors. Asscher will serve a single two-year term and will be succeeded by the sitting vice-president.

“I am honoured to have been elected by my peers to this responsible position and my thanks go out to all who were involved in the process,” Bone said. “I look forward to working closely with Edward and Ronnie, fellow board members and, very importantly, the wider membership, to build further on the successes achieved under Eli Izhakoff and Avi Paz. Our task is to ensure that together we can rise to the challenges awaiting us and take advantage of the opportunities presented to us.”

VanderLinden said he appreciates the trust the board has shown him.

“I look forward to working closely with Edward and Andy, as well as the board of directors and the membership of the WDC, on behalf of our great industry.”

Asscher began working at the family-owned Royal Asscher Diamond Co. in 1970 after completing a master’s degree in economics at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. He served as president of the International Diamond Council (IDC) from 1990 to 2008, was past-president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), and is vice-president of the European Council of Diamond Manufacturers (ECDM).

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/edward-asscher-named-wdc-president/

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