New York: Longtime De Beers executive Andrew Bone will take over the role of executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), according to JCK.

A three-decade veteran of De Beers, Bone served as the company’s global head of government and industry relations and also served as vice president of the World Diamond Council.

The appointment marks something of a shift for the group. Its two previous CEOs had NGO backgrounds, and it seems to signal that the organization is prioritizing greater outreach to the trade.

Bone would also be the first person to hold the title of executive director, rather than CEO. An RJC spokesperson said a press release is forthcoming.