New York: The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) recently held its first ever virtual Annual General Meeting, which also coincided with its 15th anniversary. The organisation, which has seen membership grow 32% in the last three years, also elected the Board of Directors for the next term in office.

Joining the Chair, David Bouffard, and Vice-Chair, Peter Karakchiev from ALROSA, two additional officers were elected to the Board:

• Feriel Zerouki (De Beers Group) – Honorary Treasurer
• Matthew Kilgariff (Richemont) – Honorary Secretary

Elections were also held for one appointment in each RJC Member Forum. Each elected appointee represents their respective forum in the jewellery and watch supply chain, from mine to retail. The appointments are:

• Stephen Lussier (De Beers Group) – Diamond, coloured stones and/or precious metals producer forum
• Alok Kumbhat (Jewelex) – Diamond and/or coloured stones traders, cutters and polishers forum
• Philipp Reisert (C. Hafner) – Precious metals traders, refiners and/or hedgers forum
• Franziska Gsell (IWC) – Jewellery manufacturer or wholesaler forum
• Eric de Rocquigny (Van Cleef & Arpels) – Jewellery retailer forum
• Boaz Lev (Gem Lab Services) – Service industries forum
• Gaetano Cavalieri (CIBJO) – Trade association forum

The Board and Officers will work closely with the RJC’s Executive Director and management team as the organisation continues to lead responsible practices across the jewellery and watch supply chain.

“Nothing is more important than the continuous improvement in the integrity of the global jewellery supply chain to help strengthen consumer confidence and underpin its future with greater trust,” said David Bouffard, Chair of the RJC. “That’s why it’s an honour to welcome our new and returning Board members, and especially at this particularly challenging time. Their guidance into the future of the RJC will be vital to help further strengthen the RJC’s position as the world’s leading standard setting organisation for the entire jewellery supply chain.”

RJC Executive Director, Iris Van der Veken said, “At a time when our industry is under immense pressure, it is vital that responsible standards of integrity are upheld right across the global jewellery and watch supply chain. We believe in partnerships, by working together with our member companies and all stakeholders across the industry to accelerate collective progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. I welcome our new and returning Board members and look forward to working closely together to drive this agenda.”