DUBAI DIAMOND CONFERENCE

EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

ABS_DDC19.png

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | DMCC

X

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | DMCC

Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading free zone in 2021 with over 19,000 member companies from 180 countries, employing over 65,000 people.

Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Mr Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2021, DMCC has been named the ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record seventh consecutive year.

Mr Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working across 87 towers. Mr Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project; the much-anticipated Uptown Dubai district.

Mr Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).

The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Mr Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2016.

HE Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo

HE Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo

Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas | Republic of Angola

X

HE Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo

Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas | Republic of Angola

Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo (PhD) with a major in mining engineering, known as Dr Diamantino is an Angolan citizen, 58 years old, married and has two children. In September 2017, he was appointed as Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, name of the Ministry updated last year, as Ministry of Mineral resources, Petroleum and Gas.

Between 2006 and 2017, he was the Chairman and CEO of the State-ownedCompany, FERRANGOL´s Board of Directors; and Non-Executive Chairman of several Mining Companies in Angola. During this period, he was also involved in different task forces. Examples of those are the task forces that draft the New Angolan Mining Code and the Angolan National Geology Plan. In 2002, he was appointed as General Director of the former SEAMIC (Southern and Eastern African Mineral Centre, based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania). The Centre is now known as the AMGC (African Minerals and Geosciences Centre). This position was held until 2006. He joined the Ministry of Geology and Mines of the Republic of Angola in 1997, as an Adviser to the Minister and later was appointed National Director of International Affairs within the same Ministry.

Also, in the same Ministry, he also acted as Deputy President of the Mineral Development Fund. Since 1998, he teaches mineral economics for Mining engineering students, as well as economic evaluation of oil and gas projects for oil engineering students of the Agostinho Neto University in Luanda. He has also been invited to be a guest lecturer on economic geology for the master students of geology at the same University. He obtained a PhD degree with a major in Mining Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin in 1997. In 1992, he obtained a Certificate in Management from the Centre of Technology Transfer and the Technical University of Clausthal-Zellerfeld in Germany.

His Master’s in Mining Engineering is from the Mining Academy of Freiberg in Germany, which was obtained in 1991. Before pursuing his graduate studies in Germany, he was a Geology student at the Agostinho Neto University in Luanda, Angola. Dr Diamantino was also one of the first students at the National Oil Institute of Angola (INP), a technical school, where he studied Drilling and Oil Production.

X

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | DMCC

Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading free zone in 2021 with over 19,000 member companies from 180 countries, employing over 65,000 people.

Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Mr Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2021, DMCC has been named the ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record seventh consecutive year.

Mr Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working across 87 towers. Mr Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project; the much-anticipated Uptown Dubai district.

Mr Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).

The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Mr Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2016.

HE Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo

Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas | Republic of Angola

Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo (PhD) with a major in mining engineering, known as Dr Diamantino is an Angolan citizen, 58 years old, married and has two children. In September 2017, he was appointed as Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, name of the Ministry updated last year, as Ministry of Mineral resources, Petroleum and Gas.

Between 2006 and 2017, he was the Chairman and CEO of the State-ownedCompany, FERRANGOL´s Board of Directors; and Non-Executive Chairman of several Mining Companies in Angola. During this period, he was also involved in different task forces. Examples of those are the task forces that draft the New Angolan Mining Code and the Angolan National Geology Plan. In 2002, he was appointed as General Director of the former SEAMIC (Southern and Eastern African Mineral Centre, based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania). The Centre is now known as the AMGC (African Minerals and Geosciences Centre). This position was held until 2006. He joined the Ministry of Geology and Mines of the Republic of Angola in 1997, as an Adviser to the Minister and later was appointed National Director of International Affairs within the same Ministry.

Also, in the same Ministry, he also acted as Deputy President of the Mineral Development Fund. Since 1998, he teaches mineral economics for Mining engineering students, as well as economic evaluation of oil and gas projects for oil engineering students of the Agostinho Neto University in Luanda. He has also been invited to be a guest lecturer on economic geology for the master students of geology at the same University. He obtained a PhD degree with a major in Mining Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin in 1997. In 1992, he obtained a Certificate in Management from the Centre of Technology Transfer and the Technical University of Clausthal-Zellerfeld in Germany.

His Master’s in Mining Engineering is from the Mining Academy of Freiberg in Germany, which was obtained in 1991. Before pursuing his graduate studies in Germany, he was a Geology student at the Agostinho Neto University in Luanda, Angola. Dr Diamantino was also one of the first students at the National Oil Institute of Angola (INP), a technical school, where he studied Drilling and Oil Production.

Sergey Ivanov

Sergey Ivanov

CEO, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board | ALROSA

X

Sergey Ivanov

CEO, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board | ALROSA

Mr. Sergey Ivanov was born on October 23, 1980 in Moscow. In 2001, he graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations with a degree in Economics. In 2002, got a degree in Finance and Credit.


In 2002–2005, he held various positions at the State Investment Company and OJSC Gazprom.
In 2005–2011 – Vice President, First Vice President, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC Gazprombank.

In 2011-2016 – Chairman of the Board of SOGAZ.

In 2016-2017 – Senior Vice President – Head of Sberbank’s Wealth Management Block.

Since March 13, 2017 heads PJSC ALROSA.


Mr. Ivanov is a member of the boards of RNG Joint Stock Company, NPF GAZFOND, Gazprombank.

Bruce Cleaver

Bruce Cleaver

Chief Executive Officer | De Beers Group

X

Bruce Cleaver

Chief Executive Officer | De Beers Group

Bruce Cleaver joined De Beers Group in 2005 and has been CEO since 2016. Under his leadership, De Beers Group has reshaped its global mining portfolio, deepened its partnerships with diamond communities and countries, harnessed disruptive technology to stay ahead of consumers’ evolving expectations, and been a galvanising force for advancing women and girls in business and society. He has shaped a culture of inclusivity and innovation, where the safety and well-being of employees is prioritised above all else, citizens are empowered and the natural world is protected, so that consumers can be proud of the positive impact their diamond has had in the world.

Bruce has overseen the opening of the world’s largest diamond mine in more than a decade, launched the world’s most advanced diamond exploration vessel, secured mutually beneficial long-term agreements with government partners, commissioned the industry’s first end-to-end blockchain traceability platform, established ground-breaking research focused on making carbon-neutral diamond mining a reality and invested in building meaningful brands to connect with a new generation of consumers.

Bruce was named a UN Women Global HeForShe Thematic Champion in 2017 and has since led a pioneering programme to support women and girls across De Beers Group’s businesses and communities.

Prior to joining De Beers Group, Bruce was a partner at Webber Wentzel, Africa's largest law firm. He holds a BSc in applied maths and an LLB from the University of Cape Town, as well as an LLM from Cambridge. Bruce is a Trustee for Help2Read, a literacy charity operating in South Africa.

X

Sergey Ivanov

CEO, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board | ALROSA

Mr. Sergey Ivanov was born on October 23, 1980 in Moscow. In 2001, he graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations with a degree in Economics. In 2002, got a degree in Finance and Credit.


In 2002–2005, he held various positions at the State Investment Company and OJSC Gazprom.
In 2005–2011 – Vice President, First Vice President, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC Gazprombank.

In 2011-2016 – Chairman of the Board of SOGAZ.

In 2016-2017 – Senior Vice President – Head of Sberbank’s Wealth Management Block.

Since March 13, 2017 heads PJSC ALROSA.


Mr. Ivanov is a member of the boards of RNG Joint Stock Company, NPF GAZFOND, Gazprombank.

Bruce Cleaver

Chief Executive Officer | De Beers Group

Bruce Cleaver joined De Beers Group in 2005 and has been CEO since 2016. Under his leadership, De Beers Group has reshaped its global mining portfolio, deepened its partnerships with diamond communities and countries, harnessed disruptive technology to stay ahead of consumers’ evolving expectations, and been a galvanising force for advancing women and girls in business and society. He has shaped a culture of inclusivity and innovation, where the safety and well-being of employees is prioritised above all else, citizens are empowered and the natural world is protected, so that consumers can be proud of the positive impact their diamond has had in the world.

Bruce has overseen the opening of the world’s largest diamond mine in more than a decade, launched the world’s most advanced diamond exploration vessel, secured mutually beneficial long-term agreements with government partners, commissioned the industry’s first end-to-end blockchain traceability platform, established ground-breaking research focused on making carbon-neutral diamond mining a reality and invested in building meaningful brands to connect with a new generation of consumers.

Bruce was named a UN Women Global HeForShe Thematic Champion in 2017 and has since led a pioneering programme to support women and girls across De Beers Group’s businesses and communities.

Prior to joining De Beers Group, Bruce was a partner at Webber Wentzel, Africa's largest law firm. He holds a BSc in applied maths and an LLB from the University of Cape Town, as well as an LLM from Cambridge. Bruce is a Trustee for Help2Read, a literacy charity operating in South Africa.

X

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | DMCC

Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading free zone in 2021 with over 19,000 member companies from 180 countries, employing over 65,000 people.

Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Mr Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2021, DMCC has been named the ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record seventh consecutive year.

Mr Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working across 87 towers. Mr Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project; the much-anticipated Uptown Dubai district.

Mr Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).

The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Mr Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2016.

HE Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo

Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas | Republic of Angola

Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo (PhD) with a major in mining engineering, known as Dr Diamantino is an Angolan citizen, 58 years old, married and has two children. In September 2017, he was appointed as Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, name of the Ministry updated last year, as Ministry of Mineral resources, Petroleum and Gas.

Between 2006 and 2017, he was the Chairman and CEO of the State-ownedCompany, FERRANGOL´s Board of Directors; and Non-Executive Chairman of several Mining Companies in Angola. During this period, he was also involved in different task forces. Examples of those are the task forces that draft the New Angolan Mining Code and the Angolan National Geology Plan. In 2002, he was appointed as General Director of the former SEAMIC (Southern and Eastern African Mineral Centre, based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania). The Centre is now known as the AMGC (African Minerals and Geosciences Centre). This position was held until 2006. He joined the Ministry of Geology and Mines of the Republic of Angola in 1997, as an Adviser to the Minister and later was appointed National Director of International Affairs within the same Ministry.

Also, in the same Ministry, he also acted as Deputy President of the Mineral Development Fund. Since 1998, he teaches mineral economics for Mining engineering students, as well as economic evaluation of oil and gas projects for oil engineering students of the Agostinho Neto University in Luanda. He has also been invited to be a guest lecturer on economic geology for the master students of geology at the same University. He obtained a PhD degree with a major in Mining Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin in 1997. In 1992, he obtained a Certificate in Management from the Centre of Technology Transfer and the Technical University of Clausthal-Zellerfeld in Germany.

His Master’s in Mining Engineering is from the Mining Academy of Freiberg in Germany, which was obtained in 1991. Before pursuing his graduate studies in Germany, he was a Geology student at the Agostinho Neto University in Luanda, Angola. Dr Diamantino was also one of the first students at the National Oil Institute of Angola (INP), a technical school, where he studied Drilling and Oil Production.

Sergey Ivanov

CEO, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board | ALROSA

Mr. Sergey Ivanov was born on October 23, 1980 in Moscow. In 2001, he graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations with a degree in Economics. In 2002, got a degree in Finance and Credit.


In 2002–2005, he held various positions at the State Investment Company and OJSC Gazprom.
In 2005–2011 – Vice President, First Vice President, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC Gazprombank.

In 2011-2016 – Chairman of the Board of SOGAZ.

In 2016-2017 – Senior Vice President – Head of Sberbank’s Wealth Management Block.

Since March 13, 2017 heads PJSC ALROSA.


Mr. Ivanov is a member of the boards of RNG Joint Stock Company, NPF GAZFOND, Gazprombank.

Bruce Cleaver

Chief Executive Officer | De Beers Group

Bruce Cleaver joined De Beers Group in 2005 and has been CEO since 2016. Under his leadership, De Beers Group has reshaped its global mining portfolio, deepened its partnerships with diamond communities and countries, harnessed disruptive technology to stay ahead of consumers’ evolving expectations, and been a galvanising force for advancing women and girls in business and society. He has shaped a culture of inclusivity and innovation, where the safety and well-being of employees is prioritised above all else, citizens are empowered and the natural world is protected, so that consumers can be proud of the positive impact their diamond has had in the world.

Bruce has overseen the opening of the world’s largest diamond mine in more than a decade, launched the world’s most advanced diamond exploration vessel, secured mutually beneficial long-term agreements with government partners, commissioned the industry’s first end-to-end blockchain traceability platform, established ground-breaking research focused on making carbon-neutral diamond mining a reality and invested in building meaningful brands to connect with a new generation of consumers.

Bruce was named a UN Women Global HeForShe Thematic Champion in 2017 and has since led a pioneering programme to support women and girls across De Beers Group’s businesses and communities.

Prior to joining De Beers Group, Bruce was a partner at Webber Wentzel, Africa's largest law firm. He holds a BSc in applied maths and an LLB from the University of Cape Town, as well as an LLM from Cambridge. Bruce is a Trustee for Help2Read, a literacy charity operating in South Africa.

Beryl Raff

Beryl Raff

Chairman and CEO | Helzberg Diamonds

X

Beryl Raff

Chairman and CEO | Helzberg Diamonds

Beryl Raff is Chairman and CEO at Helzberg Diamonds. She is widely recognized throughout the retail industry as an outstanding merchant and strong multi-store retail executive.

Beryl graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and from Drexel University with a Masters of Business Administration. Prior to Helzberg Diamonds she held positions as J.C. Penney’s Executive Vice President for the Fine Jewelry Division and Chairman & CEO of Zale Corporation. Beryl began her career with R. H. Macy & Company in 1975 as an executive trainee.

Beryl has received lifetime achievement awards from both the Women’s Jewelry Association, naming her to its Lifetime Hall of Fame in 1999, and the American Gem Society, who awarded her their lifetime achievement award. She also earned the National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in the Majors category in 2009. In 2019, the Jewelers Vigilance Council honored Beryl with the Stanley Schechter Award. Beryl is also a member of the International Women’s Forum, Women Corporate Directors and Women Who Mean Business – Kansas City.

Beryl serves as a Director on the boards of the Larry H. Miller Company, Helen of Troy, Academy Sports+ Outdoor and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Previously she served on the boards of Group 1 Automotive – a Fortune 500 Company, JoAnn’s Stores, Michaels Stores, National Board of Make A Wish Foundation, Kansas City Symphony and NACD – Heartland Chapter. Her industry affiliations include membership Jewelers’ Circular Keystone.

She has one son, Edward, and a life partner, Paul Russell.

David Block

David Block

CEO | Sarine Technology Group

X

David Block

CEO | Sarine Technology Group

David Block is CEO of the Sarine Technology Group, one of the world's leading technology companies for the diamonds, gemstones and jewellery industries.

Over the last 20 years at Sarine, David has played an instrumental role in the initiation, development and introduction of many of the revolutionary innovations the Group has brought to the diamond industry.

Under his guidance, Sarine's diamond planning systems have become the de facto standard for diamond manufacturing with over 70 million diamonds planned on these each year. In 2009, David led the rollout of the unmatched Galaxy technology for rough diamond inclusion scanning, enabling diamond manufacturers for the first time ever to accurately consider the diamond's Clarity as an integral automated part of the planning process.

For the past few years, Block has been spearheading Sarine's introduction of similarly uniquely innovative technologies further downstream - to the wholesale and retail trade of polished diamonds. Amongst these advances are notably the first technology based artificial intelligence driven polished diamond grading, the most complete and least disruptive end-to-end solution for diamond traceability, the emerging standard for light performance analysis, as well as other digital solutions to enable todays diamond retailers to better interact with their millennial customers.

David holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg-Recanati School of Business, a joint degree from Northwestern University in the U.S. and Tel Aviv University in Israel, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Academic College in Israel.

X

Beryl Raff

Chairman and CEO | Helzberg Diamonds

Beryl Raff is Chairman and CEO at Helzberg Diamonds. She is widely recognized throughout the retail industry as an outstanding merchant and strong multi-store retail executive.

Beryl graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and from Drexel University with a Masters of Business Administration. Prior to Helzberg Diamonds she held positions as J.C. Penney’s Executive Vice President for the Fine Jewelry Division and Chairman & CEO of Zale Corporation. Beryl began her career with R. H. Macy & Company in 1975 as an executive trainee.

Beryl has received lifetime achievement awards from both the Women’s Jewelry Association, naming her to its Lifetime Hall of Fame in 1999, and the American Gem Society, who awarded her their lifetime achievement award. She also earned the National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in the Majors category in 2009. In 2019, the Jewelers Vigilance Council honored Beryl with the Stanley Schechter Award. Beryl is also a member of the International Women’s Forum, Women Corporate Directors and Women Who Mean Business – Kansas City.

Beryl serves as a Director on the boards of the Larry H. Miller Company, Helen of Troy, Academy Sports+ Outdoor and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Previously she served on the boards of Group 1 Automotive – a Fortune 500 Company, JoAnn’s Stores, Michaels Stores, National Board of Make A Wish Foundation, Kansas City Symphony and NACD – Heartland Chapter. Her industry affiliations include membership Jewelers’ Circular Keystone.

She has one son, Edward, and a life partner, Paul Russell.

David Block

CEO | Sarine Technology Group

David Block is CEO of the Sarine Technology Group, one of the world's leading technology companies for the diamonds, gemstones and jewellery industries.

Over the last 20 years at Sarine, David has played an instrumental role in the initiation, development and introduction of many of the revolutionary innovations the Group has brought to the diamond industry.

Under his guidance, Sarine's diamond planning systems have become the de facto standard for diamond manufacturing with over 70 million diamonds planned on these each year. In 2009, David led the rollout of the unmatched Galaxy technology for rough diamond inclusion scanning, enabling diamond manufacturers for the first time ever to accurately consider the diamond's Clarity as an integral automated part of the planning process.

For the past few years, Block has been spearheading Sarine's introduction of similarly uniquely innovative technologies further downstream - to the wholesale and retail trade of polished diamonds. Amongst these advances are notably the first technology based artificial intelligence driven polished diamond grading, the most complete and least disruptive end-to-end solution for diamond traceability, the emerging standard for light performance analysis, as well as other digital solutions to enable todays diamond retailers to better interact with their millennial customers.

David holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg-Recanati School of Business, a joint degree from Northwestern University in the U.S. and Tel Aviv University in Israel, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Academic College in Israel.

Bernold Richerzhagen

Bernold Richerzhagen

Founder and CEO | Synova

X

Bernold Richerzhagen

Founder and CEO | Synova

Bernold Richerzhagen is the Founder and CEO of Switzerland-based Synova S.A., the world pioneer in water jet guided laser technology. Synova’s proprietary technology was incubated at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) where Mr Richerzhagen championed its transition from concept to today’s reality.

Recognised worldwide as the inventor of water-jet guided laser technology, Mr Richerzhagen has received several prestigious accolades including: Technology Innovation Awards from the Swiss Secretary of Economy (SECO) and the Cantons of Central Switzerland (1997); the Technopark Zurich Foundation and the Swiss Minister of Economy (1998); Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young Switzerland (2004); and the Frost & Sullivan’s European Technology Innovation Award (2005).

He is the author of several hundred articles and has addressed numerous conferences on the subject of water jet guided laser technology. He also holds several patents on the development of the water-jet guided laser and related inventions such as laser dicing tape, water film for surface protection, laser trenching of semiconductor wafers, and gas enveloped liquid jets.

Mr Richerzhagen received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH) in 1986 and 1988, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Microtechnics from EPFL in 1994. For his thesis, he joined EPFL’s Optical Applications Institute as an assistant working on medical lasers.

In 1996, Mr Richerzhagen founded an engineering office where he developed the first prototype of a water jet guided laser machine, before founding Synova S.A to bring the Laser MicroJet® to market in 1997.

Yoram Dvash

Yoram Dvash

President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses

X

Yoram Dvash

President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses

President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) since 2020

Former Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) 2020-2021

Former president of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) 2015-2021

Yoram Dvash, born in Israel in 1964, founded his company, Dvash Diamonds, in 1991. Today one of the leading companies in the Israeli diamond industry, Dvash

Diamonds enjoys strong trade relations with partners in major international hubs, including the United States, India and Hong Kong.

In April 2020, Mr Dvash was elected President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), after having served two years as Vice President and as a member of the Executive Committee of the WFDB.

Yoram Dvash served for five years as President of the Israel Diamond Exchange, one of the world’s major diamond bourses and a flagship of the Israeli economy. He was elected in 2015 as the 10th President of IDE and was reelected for a second term in 2017.

He also served as Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute in 2020 - 2021, after having served on its board for seven years.

Yoram Dvash has three children and one grandchild.

X

Bernold Richerzhagen

Founder and CEO | Synova

Bernold Richerzhagen is the Founder and CEO of Switzerland-based Synova S.A., the world pioneer in water jet guided laser technology. Synova’s proprietary technology was incubated at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) where Mr Richerzhagen championed its transition from concept to today’s reality.

Recognised worldwide as the inventor of water-jet guided laser technology, Mr Richerzhagen has received several prestigious accolades including: Technology Innovation Awards from the Swiss Secretary of Economy (SECO) and the Cantons of Central Switzerland (1997); the Technopark Zurich Foundation and the Swiss Minister of Economy (1998); Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young Switzerland (2004); and the Frost & Sullivan’s European Technology Innovation Award (2005).

He is the author of several hundred articles and has addressed numerous conferences on the subject of water jet guided laser technology. He also holds several patents on the development of the water-jet guided laser and related inventions such as laser dicing tape, water film for surface protection, laser trenching of semiconductor wafers, and gas enveloped liquid jets.

Mr Richerzhagen received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH) in 1986 and 1988, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Microtechnics from EPFL in 1994. For his thesis, he joined EPFL’s Optical Applications Institute as an assistant working on medical lasers.

In 1996, Mr Richerzhagen founded an engineering office where he developed the first prototype of a water jet guided laser machine, before founding Synova S.A to bring the Laser MicroJet® to market in 1997.

Yoram Dvash

President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses

President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) since 2020

Former Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) 2020-2021

Former president of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) 2015-2021

Yoram Dvash, born in Israel in 1964, founded his company, Dvash Diamonds, in 1991. Today one of the leading companies in the Israeli diamond industry, Dvash

Diamonds enjoys strong trade relations with partners in major international hubs, including the United States, India and Hong Kong.

In April 2020, Mr Dvash was elected President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), after having served two years as Vice President and as a member of the Executive Committee of the WFDB.

Yoram Dvash served for five years as President of the Israel Diamond Exchange, one of the world’s major diamond bourses and a flagship of the Israeli economy. He was elected in 2015 as the 10th President of IDE and was reelected for a second term in 2017.

He also served as Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute in 2020 - 2021, after having served on its board for seven years.

Yoram Dvash has three children and one grandchild.

X

Beryl Raff

Chairman and CEO | Helzberg Diamonds

Beryl Raff is Chairman and CEO at Helzberg Diamonds. She is widely recognized throughout the retail industry as an outstanding merchant and strong multi-store retail executive.

Beryl graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and from Drexel University with a Masters of Business Administration. Prior to Helzberg Diamonds she held positions as J.C. Penney’s Executive Vice President for the Fine Jewelry Division and Chairman & CEO of Zale Corporation. Beryl began her career with R. H. Macy & Company in 1975 as an executive trainee.

Beryl has received lifetime achievement awards from both the Women’s Jewelry Association, naming her to its Lifetime Hall of Fame in 1999, and the American Gem Society, who awarded her their lifetime achievement award. She also earned the National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in the Majors category in 2009. In 2019, the Jewelers Vigilance Council honored Beryl with the Stanley Schechter Award. Beryl is also a member of the International Women’s Forum, Women Corporate Directors and Women Who Mean Business – Kansas City.

Beryl serves as a Director on the boards of the Larry H. Miller Company, Helen of Troy, Academy Sports+ Outdoor and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Previously she served on the boards of Group 1 Automotive – a Fortune 500 Company, JoAnn’s Stores, Michaels Stores, National Board of Make A Wish Foundation, Kansas City Symphony and NACD – Heartland Chapter. Her industry affiliations include membership Jewelers’ Circular Keystone.

She has one son, Edward, and a life partner, Paul Russell.

David Block

CEO | Sarine Technology Group

David Block is CEO of the Sarine Technology Group, one of the world's leading technology companies for the diamonds, gemstones and jewellery industries.

Over the last 20 years at Sarine, David has played an instrumental role in the initiation, development and introduction of many of the revolutionary innovations the Group has brought to the diamond industry.

Under his guidance, Sarine's diamond planning systems have become the de facto standard for diamond manufacturing with over 70 million diamonds planned on these each year. In 2009, David led the rollout of the unmatched Galaxy technology for rough diamond inclusion scanning, enabling diamond manufacturers for the first time ever to accurately consider the diamond's Clarity as an integral automated part of the planning process.

For the past few years, Block has been spearheading Sarine's introduction of similarly uniquely innovative technologies further downstream - to the wholesale and retail trade of polished diamonds. Amongst these advances are notably the first technology based artificial intelligence driven polished diamond grading, the most complete and least disruptive end-to-end solution for diamond traceability, the emerging standard for light performance analysis, as well as other digital solutions to enable todays diamond retailers to better interact with their millennial customers.

David holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg-Recanati School of Business, a joint degree from Northwestern University in the U.S. and Tel Aviv University in Israel, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Academic College in Israel.

Bernold Richerzhagen

Founder and CEO | Synova

Bernold Richerzhagen is the Founder and CEO of Switzerland-based Synova S.A., the world pioneer in water jet guided laser technology. Synova’s proprietary technology was incubated at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) where Mr Richerzhagen championed its transition from concept to today’s reality.

Recognised worldwide as the inventor of water-jet guided laser technology, Mr Richerzhagen has received several prestigious accolades including: Technology Innovation Awards from the Swiss Secretary of Economy (SECO) and the Cantons of Central Switzerland (1997); the Technopark Zurich Foundation and the Swiss Minister of Economy (1998); Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young Switzerland (2004); and the Frost & Sullivan’s European Technology Innovation Award (2005).

He is the author of several hundred articles and has addressed numerous conferences on the subject of water jet guided laser technology. He also holds several patents on the development of the water-jet guided laser and related inventions such as laser dicing tape, water film for surface protection, laser trenching of semiconductor wafers, and gas enveloped liquid jets.

Mr Richerzhagen received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH) in 1986 and 1988, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Microtechnics from EPFL in 1994. For his thesis, he joined EPFL’s Optical Applications Institute as an assistant working on medical lasers.

In 1996, Mr Richerzhagen founded an engineering office where he developed the first prototype of a water jet guided laser machine, before founding Synova S.A to bring the Laser MicroJet® to market in 1997.

Yoram Dvash

President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses

President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) since 2020

Former Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) 2020-2021

Former president of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) 2015-2021

Yoram Dvash, born in Israel in 1964, founded his company, Dvash Diamonds, in 1991. Today one of the leading companies in the Israeli diamond industry, Dvash

Diamonds enjoys strong trade relations with partners in major international hubs, including the United States, India and Hong Kong.

In April 2020, Mr Dvash was elected President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), after having served two years as Vice President and as a member of the Executive Committee of the WFDB.

Yoram Dvash served for five years as President of the Israel Diamond Exchange, one of the world’s major diamond bourses and a flagship of the Israeli economy. He was elected in 2015 as the 10th President of IDE and was reelected for a second term in 2017.

He also served as Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute in 2020 - 2021, after having served on its board for seven years.

Yoram Dvash has three children and one grandchild.

Colin Shah

Colin Shah

Chairman | GJEPC

X

Colin Shah

Chairman | GJEPC

At the age of 26, Colin founded Kama Jewelry in 1996. 11 years later, in 2007 Kama Schachter was formed in a joint venture with Leo Schachter Diamonds in an effort to become vertically integrated.

Today, Kama Schachter ranks amongst the top ten manufacturers and exporters of diamond jewellery in Asia. Kama’s talented, flexible, multi-cultural workforce numbering 800 in three factories in India and in sales offices in the diamond bourse in Mumbai, Chennai and New York serve the major markets of India, USA, Europe, Middle East and Australia. Under Colin’s leadership, Kama is taking critical steps to drive best practices (it is BBP compliant and RJC certified), deliver the highest value as well as provide cutting edge quality and design in every piece of jewelry created. Kama also has state of the art SAP-enabled manufacturing and order processing that enhances efficiency from order inception to delivery. Additionally it has an online presence through its user-friendly website as well brand subsidiaries that sell on several online marketplaces.

In order to create sustainability and a positive effect in the communities in which this company operates, it has always been Colin’s vision to make social responsibility a perennial goal at Kama. Kama’s charitable activities include associations with Make-a-Wish Foundation in India because Colin is on the board. This organization helps to grant the wishes of terminally ill children ( http://www.makeawishindia.org). In addition to these associations, Kama also prides itself with training and hiring differently-abled workers, who account for 10% of the company’s workforce. Kama also makes an effort to hire people from distressed regions of India such as Orissa, and it is one of the only jewelry manufacturers with 50% of its workforce being women.

Lastly, Colin is the recipient of many industry accolades and plays a leadership role in many organizations, including the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India, the Seepz Gem and Jewelry Manufacturers Association, the Young President Organization and the Entrepreneurs Organization.

Iris Van der Veken

Iris Van der Veken

Executive Director | Responsible Jewellery Council

X

Iris Van der Veken

Executive Director | Responsible Jewellery Council

Iris has a background in law and international relations. A sustainability pioneer, leadership executive, humanitarian, and coalition-builder, with more than 20 years of global experience working in fast-paced environments including technology, diamonds, jewellery, fashion, and government.

She initiated and Chaired the United Nations Global Compact Network Belgium. She was honoured by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs for her leadership role in initiatingthe Global Compact Network Belgium and for her work on promoting corporate social responsibility in Belgium and abroad with a focus on human rights including children’s rights and the role of business. Iris is committed to the agenda of gender equality.

She was appointed as RJC Executive Director in March 2019 and is dedicated to a ‘members first’ strategy and contributing towards the 2030 agenda and the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Under her leadership, she launched the Generation Equality Campaign for the global jewellery and watch industry.

She is a member of the Board of ISEAL, Diamonds Do Good and the Jewellers Vigilance Committee. Iris has been an active volunteer for the Special Olympics for over 30 years. She ran the NY marathon for UNICEF.

X

Colin Shah

Chairman | GJEPC

At the age of 26, Colin founded Kama Jewelry in 1996. 11 years later, in 2007 Kama Schachter was formed in a joint venture with Leo Schachter Diamonds in an effort to become vertically integrated.

Today, Kama Schachter ranks amongst the top ten manufacturers and exporters of diamond jewellery in Asia. Kama’s talented, flexible, multi-cultural workforce numbering 800 in three factories in India and in sales offices in the diamond bourse in Mumbai, Chennai and New York serve the major markets of India, USA, Europe, Middle East and Australia. Under Colin’s leadership, Kama is taking critical steps to drive best practices (it is BBP compliant and RJC certified), deliver the highest value as well as provide cutting edge quality and design in every piece of jewelry created. Kama also has state of the art SAP-enabled manufacturing and order processing that enhances efficiency from order inception to delivery. Additionally it has an online presence through its user-friendly website as well brand subsidiaries that sell on several online marketplaces.

In order to create sustainability and a positive effect in the communities in which this company operates, it has always been Colin’s vision to make social responsibility a perennial goal at Kama. Kama’s charitable activities include associations with Make-a-Wish Foundation in India because Colin is on the board. This organization helps to grant the wishes of terminally ill children ( http://www.makeawishindia.org). In addition to these associations, Kama also prides itself with training and hiring differently-abled workers, who account for 10% of the company’s workforce. Kama also makes an effort to hire people from distressed regions of India such as Orissa, and it is one of the only jewelry manufacturers with 50% of its workforce being women.

Lastly, Colin is the recipient of many industry accolades and plays a leadership role in many organizations, including the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India, the Seepz Gem and Jewelry Manufacturers Association, the Young President Organization and the Entrepreneurs Organization.

Iris Van der Veken

Executive Director | Responsible Jewellery Council

Iris has a background in law and international relations. A sustainability pioneer, leadership executive, humanitarian, and coalition-builder, with more than 20 years of global experience working in fast-paced environments including technology, diamonds, jewellery, fashion, and government.

She initiated and Chaired the United Nations Global Compact Network Belgium. She was honoured by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs for her leadership role in initiatingthe Global Compact Network Belgium and for her work on promoting corporate social responsibility in Belgium and abroad with a focus on human rights including children’s rights and the role of business. Iris is committed to the agenda of gender equality.

She was appointed as RJC Executive Director in March 2019 and is dedicated to a ‘members first’ strategy and contributing towards the 2030 agenda and the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Under her leadership, she launched the Generation Equality Campaign for the global jewellery and watch industry.

She is a member of the Board of ISEAL, Diamonds Do Good and the Jewellers Vigilance Committee. Iris has been an active volunteer for the Special Olympics for over 30 years. She ran the NY marathon for UNICEF.

Edward Asscher

Edward Asscher

President | World Diamond Council

X

Edward Asscher

President | World Diamond Council

A member of one of the diamond industry and Amsterdam’s most well-known families, Edward Asscher was elected President of the World Diamond Council in June 2020 for a two-year term.

Mr Asscher is serving a second time as WDC President, having led the organization from 2014 to 2016.

He currently is also Vice President of the European Council of Diamond Manufacturers and is a past President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and the International Diamond Council (IDC), a diamond standards-setting organization affiliated to IDMA and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

In public life, Mr Asscher has also served in functions outside of the diamond industry. A past President of the Liberal Party in Amsterdam, he was elected Senator for this party in the Dutch parliament, serving in the upper house from 2007 to 2011.

Gaetano Cavalieri

Gaetano Cavalieri

President | CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation

X

Gaetano Cavalieri

President | CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation

One of the most prominent leaders in the international jewellery industry today, Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri has served for more than 20 years as president of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation.

Uniting national jewellery and gemstone associations from more than 40 countries around the world, and also includes many of the industry’s major international corporations and international representative associations, CIBJO is the industry’s oldest international organization in jewellery sector, having originally been established in 1926. It covers the entire jewellery, gemstone and precious metals sectors vertically, from mine to marketplace, and horizontally within each of the component sectors in the various production, manufacturing and trading centres.

As president of CIBJO, Dr. Cavalieri was responsible in July 2006 for the organization receiving “Special Consultative Status” with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), making it the first and only jewellery and gemstone representative to be officially recognized by the international body. Together with the United Nations, he established the World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation (WJCEF), which is responsible for promoting Corporate Social Responsibility education in the international jewellery and gemstone industries.

In addition to being president of CIBJO, Dr. Cavalieri has served as president of the Italian Federation of Gold, Silver and Jewellery Wholesalers, has been a member of the International Executive Council of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company of London, a member of the European Assay Association, a member of the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA), and chief financial officer of the World Diamond Council.

Dr. Cavalieri was a consultant to the Italian Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Welfare, and to the European Economic Commission in the areas of harmonization of standards and value added tax (VAT) on gold. He is a consultant to trade fair organizers across Europe, specializing in the luxury industries, was chief of the International Relations Office of Confcommercio (Italian General Trade Organization), a delegate to the Commission of Foreign Trade, a member of the board of the Italian Trade Commission, and an Italian representative to the World Trade Organization and the Transatlantic Business Dialogue.

X

Edward Asscher

President | World Diamond Council

A member of one of the diamond industry and Amsterdam’s most well-known families, Edward Asscher was elected President of the World Diamond Council in June 2020 for a two-year term.

Mr Asscher is serving a second time as WDC President, having led the organization from 2014 to 2016.

He currently is also Vice President of the European Council of Diamond Manufacturers and is a past President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and the International Diamond Council (IDC), a diamond standards-setting organization affiliated to IDMA and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

In public life, Mr Asscher has also served in functions outside of the diamond industry. A past President of the Liberal Party in Amsterdam, he was elected Senator for this party in the Dutch parliament, serving in the upper house from 2007 to 2011.

Gaetano Cavalieri

President | CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation

One of the most prominent leaders in the international jewellery industry today, Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri has served for more than 20 years as president of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation.

Uniting national jewellery and gemstone associations from more than 40 countries around the world, and also includes many of the industry’s major international corporations and international representative associations, CIBJO is the industry’s oldest international organization in jewellery sector, having originally been established in 1926. It covers the entire jewellery, gemstone and precious metals sectors vertically, from mine to marketplace, and horizontally within each of the component sectors in the various production, manufacturing and trading centres.

As president of CIBJO, Dr. Cavalieri was responsible in July 2006 for the organization receiving “Special Consultative Status” with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), making it the first and only jewellery and gemstone representative to be officially recognized by the international body. Together with the United Nations, he established the World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation (WJCEF), which is responsible for promoting Corporate Social Responsibility education in the international jewellery and gemstone industries.

In addition to being president of CIBJO, Dr. Cavalieri has served as president of the Italian Federation of Gold, Silver and Jewellery Wholesalers, has been a member of the International Executive Council of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company of London, a member of the European Assay Association, a member of the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA), and chief financial officer of the World Diamond Council.

Dr. Cavalieri was a consultant to the Italian Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Welfare, and to the European Economic Commission in the areas of harmonization of standards and value added tax (VAT) on gold. He is a consultant to trade fair organizers across Europe, specializing in the luxury industries, was chief of the International Relations Office of Confcommercio (Italian General Trade Organization), a delegate to the Commission of Foreign Trade, a member of the board of the Italian Trade Commission, and an Italian representative to the World Trade Organization and the Transatlantic Business Dialogue.

X

Colin Shah

Chairman | GJEPC

At the age of 26, Colin founded Kama Jewelry in 1996. 11 years later, in 2007 Kama Schachter was formed in a joint venture with Leo Schachter Diamonds in an effort to become vertically integrated.

Today, Kama Schachter ranks amongst the top ten manufacturers and exporters of diamond jewellery in Asia. Kama’s talented, flexible, multi-cultural workforce numbering 800 in three factories in India and in sales offices in the diamond bourse in Mumbai, Chennai and New York serve the major markets of India, USA, Europe, Middle East and Australia. Under Colin’s leadership, Kama is taking critical steps to drive best practices (it is BBP compliant and RJC certified), deliver the highest value as well as provide cutting edge quality and design in every piece of jewelry created. Kama also has state of the art SAP-enabled manufacturing and order processing that enhances efficiency from order inception to delivery. Additionally it has an online presence through its user-friendly website as well brand subsidiaries that sell on several online marketplaces.

In order to create sustainability and a positive effect in the communities in which this company operates, it has always been Colin’s vision to make social responsibility a perennial goal at Kama. Kama’s charitable activities include associations with Make-a-Wish Foundation in India because Colin is on the board. This organization helps to grant the wishes of terminally ill children ( http://www.makeawishindia.org). In addition to these associations, Kama also prides itself with training and hiring differently-abled workers, who account for 10% of the company’s workforce. Kama also makes an effort to hire people from distressed regions of India such as Orissa, and it is one of the only jewelry manufacturers with 50% of its workforce being women.

Lastly, Colin is the recipient of many industry accolades and plays a leadership role in many organizations, including the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India, the Seepz Gem and Jewelry Manufacturers Association, the Young President Organization and the Entrepreneurs Organization.

Iris Van der Veken

Executive Director | Responsible Jewellery Council

Iris has a background in law and international relations. A sustainability pioneer, leadership executive, humanitarian, and coalition-builder, with more than 20 years of global experience working in fast-paced environments including technology, diamonds, jewellery, fashion, and government.

She initiated and Chaired the United Nations Global Compact Network Belgium. She was honoured by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs for her leadership role in initiatingthe Global Compact Network Belgium and for her work on promoting corporate social responsibility in Belgium and abroad with a focus on human rights including children’s rights and the role of business. Iris is committed to the agenda of gender equality.

She was appointed as RJC Executive Director in March 2019 and is dedicated to a ‘members first’ strategy and contributing towards the 2030 agenda and the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Under her leadership, she launched the Generation Equality Campaign for the global jewellery and watch industry.

She is a member of the Board of ISEAL, Diamonds Do Good and the Jewellers Vigilance Committee. Iris has been an active volunteer for the Special Olympics for over 30 years. She ran the NY marathon for UNICEF.

Edward Asscher

President | World Diamond Council

A member of one of the diamond industry and Amsterdam’s most well-known families, Edward Asscher was elected President of the World Diamond Council in June 2020 for a two-year term.

Mr Asscher is serving a second time as WDC President, having led the organization from 2014 to 2016.

He currently is also Vice President of the European Council of Diamond Manufacturers and is a past President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and the International Diamond Council (IDC), a diamond standards-setting organization affiliated to IDMA and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

In public life, Mr Asscher has also served in functions outside of the diamond industry. A past President of the Liberal Party in Amsterdam, he was elected Senator for this party in the Dutch parliament, serving in the upper house from 2007 to 2011.

Gaetano Cavalieri

President | CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation

One of the most prominent leaders in the international jewellery industry today, Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri has served for more than 20 years as president of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation.

Uniting national jewellery and gemstone associations from more than 40 countries around the world, and also includes many of the industry’s major international corporations and international representative associations, CIBJO is the industry’s oldest international organization in jewellery sector, having originally been established in 1926. It covers the entire jewellery, gemstone and precious metals sectors vertically, from mine to marketplace, and horizontally within each of the component sectors in the various production, manufacturing and trading centres.

As president of CIBJO, Dr. Cavalieri was responsible in July 2006 for the organization receiving “Special Consultative Status” with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), making it the first and only jewellery and gemstone representative to be officially recognized by the international body. Together with the United Nations, he established the World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation (WJCEF), which is responsible for promoting Corporate Social Responsibility education in the international jewellery and gemstone industries.

In addition to being president of CIBJO, Dr. Cavalieri has served as president of the Italian Federation of Gold, Silver and Jewellery Wholesalers, has been a member of the International Executive Council of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company of London, a member of the European Assay Association, a member of the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA), and chief financial officer of the World Diamond Council.

Dr. Cavalieri was a consultant to the Italian Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Welfare, and to the European Economic Commission in the areas of harmonization of standards and value added tax (VAT) on gold. He is a consultant to trade fair organizers across Europe, specializing in the luxury industries, was chief of the International Relations Office of Confcommercio (Italian General Trade Organization), a delegate to the Commission of Foreign Trade, a member of the board of the Italian Trade Commission, and an Italian representative to the World Trade Organization and the Transatlantic Business Dialogue.

Ronnie VanderLinden

Ronnie VanderLinden

President | International Diamond Manufacturers Association

X

Ronnie VanderLinden

President | International Diamond Manufacturers Association

Ronnie began his career in the diamond industry in 1977 working as a diamond sawyer. In 1980, he broadened his training by joining a privately held international firm in New York, staying with the firm for nearly 10 years, gradually assuming greater responsibilities. This hands-on experience gave him the foundation he needed ultimately to open his own business, which he began in 1990. Ronnie is President of Diamex, Inc., a diamond manufacturer/wholesaler since 1976.

Ronnie has become well-known for his knowledge of both rough and polished diamonds. Nowadays, he finds himself travelling extensively in the USA, the Far East, Eastern and Western Europe, and Canada for business as well as consulting with other key industry leaders.

He has become deeply involved in all aspects of the industry by maintaining a number of top positions in national and global organizations. Ronnie is the immediate past President of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) and the President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and is the first President of the United States Jewelry Council (USJC), an umbrella organization of 17 US associations.

He is Former Chairman of the Board of the New York Diamond Dealers Club; served as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA); and is Treasurer of the World Diamond Council (WDC).

In addition, Ronnie is a member and Past President of the prestigious 24 Karat Club; holds a seat on the Executive Board of the 47th Street BID; is a member and board member of the American Jewish Committee, Jewelry Division; and a member and board member of the AGS & member and past board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

Stephen Lussier

Stephen Lussier

Chairman and Executive Vice-President | Forevermark, De Beers Group

X

Stephen Lussier

Chairman and Executive Vice-President | Forevermark, De Beers Group

Stephen Lussier is Forevermark Chairman and Executive Vice-President, Consumer Markets, De Beers Group and a member of De Beers Group Executive Committee. After a number of roles in the company since 1985, in 2009 Stephen took up his role as Chief Executive Officer, Forevermark and Executive Vice President – Marketing, De Beers Group, and grew Forevermark into a truly global brand.

Forevermark is present in 35 markets, with more than 2,400+ retail stores across five continents. In April 2019, Stephen stepped away from his role as CEO of Forevermark, to increase his focus on shaping De Beers Group’s strategy at the consumer level in his role as Executive Vice-President of Consumer Markets.

X

Ronnie VanderLinden

President | International Diamond Manufacturers Association

Ronnie began his career in the diamond industry in 1977 working as a diamond sawyer. In 1980, he broadened his training by joining a privately held international firm in New York, staying with the firm for nearly 10 years, gradually assuming greater responsibilities. This hands-on experience gave him the foundation he needed ultimately to open his own business, which he began in 1990. Ronnie is President of Diamex, Inc., a diamond manufacturer/wholesaler since 1976.

Ronnie has become well-known for his knowledge of both rough and polished diamonds. Nowadays, he finds himself travelling extensively in the USA, the Far East, Eastern and Western Europe, and Canada for business as well as consulting with other key industry leaders.

He has become deeply involved in all aspects of the industry by maintaining a number of top positions in national and global organizations. Ronnie is the immediate past President of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) and the President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and is the first President of the United States Jewelry Council (USJC), an umbrella organization of 17 US associations.

He is Former Chairman of the Board of the New York Diamond Dealers Club; served as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA); and is Treasurer of the World Diamond Council (WDC).

In addition, Ronnie is a member and Past President of the prestigious 24 Karat Club; holds a seat on the Executive Board of the 47th Street BID; is a member and board member of the American Jewish Committee, Jewelry Division; and a member and board member of the AGS & member and past board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

Stephen Lussier

Chairman and Executive Vice-President | Forevermark, De Beers Group

Stephen Lussier is Forevermark Chairman and Executive Vice-President, Consumer Markets, De Beers Group and a member of De Beers Group Executive Committee. After a number of roles in the company since 1985, in 2009 Stephen took up his role as Chief Executive Officer, Forevermark and Executive Vice President – Marketing, De Beers Group, and grew Forevermark into a truly global brand.

Forevermark is present in 35 markets, with more than 2,400+ retail stores across five continents. In April 2019, Stephen stepped away from his role as CEO of Forevermark, to increase his focus on shaping De Beers Group’s strategy at the consumer level in his role as Executive Vice-President of Consumer Markets.

Shamlal Ahamed

Shamlal Ahamed

Managing Director – International Operations | Malabar Gold & Diamonds

X

Shamlal Ahamed

Managing Director – International Operations | Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Mr Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director – International Operations of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, found himself at the helm of jewellery retailing business affairs at a very young age. Having huge shoes to fill with a living visionary, M. P. Ahammed, as his father, Mr Shamlal took things up a notch with his motto ‘promise only what you can deliver’ exhibiting his repertoire brilliantly. His modus operandi has seen his brand scale new heights in an already competitive market, with him winning over clientele confidence in a short period of time.

Success is a dangerous elixir that can prompt unwise decisions. However, Mr Shamlal is not one to let emotions govern business strategies. Acutely balancing risks with ground realities, he has managed to propel Malabar Gold & Diamonds to the forefront of the international retail jewellery arena. Building on the group’s repute of trust and reliability, he propelled it to a position of being the Middle East’s largest jewellery retailer in a short span of time. He has transformed a talented workforce into a cadre of professional managers with a high emphasis on quality deliverance and unblemished integrity.

The mark of a true leader is his ambition and Mr Shamlal is second to none in this regard. He vies the retail markets of UK, Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and select African countries for immediate expansion and has his eyes set on expanding the retail footprint within existing countries of operations as well.

As the group odysseys across geographies, Shamlal also reiterates his father’s emphasis on ethics and values and encourages and actively participated in collaborative growth and development of all – the company, its management team, its customers and the society where it operates.

Rafael Papismedov

Rafael Papismedov

Co-Founder, Managing Partner | HB Antwerp

X

Rafael Papismedov

Co-Founder, Managing Partner | HB Antwerp

Rafael Papismedov, co-founder of HB Antwerp, has more than 20 years’ experience in the field of business development and international strategies.

He worked with international organisations and participated in several national priority projects in developing countries (financing, developing and operating), including refineries, mining and infrastructure.

In the last several years, Rafael engaged in strategic consulting for different heads of states and local human rights NGO’s.

With a clear spirit for entrepreneurship, Rafael will bring out of the box insight to the industry.

X

Shamlal Ahamed

Managing Director – International Operations | Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Mr Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director – International Operations of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, found himself at the helm of jewellery retailing business affairs at a very young age. Having huge shoes to fill with a living visionary, M. P. Ahammed, as his father, Mr Shamlal took things up a notch with his motto ‘promise only what you can deliver’ exhibiting his repertoire brilliantly. His modus operandi has seen his brand scale new heights in an already competitive market, with him winning over clientele confidence in a short period of time.

Success is a dangerous elixir that can prompt unwise decisions. However, Mr Shamlal is not one to let emotions govern business strategies. Acutely balancing risks with ground realities, he has managed to propel Malabar Gold & Diamonds to the forefront of the international retail jewellery arena. Building on the group’s repute of trust and reliability, he propelled it to a position of being the Middle East’s largest jewellery retailer in a short span of time. He has transformed a talented workforce into a cadre of professional managers with a high emphasis on quality deliverance and unblemished integrity.

The mark of a true leader is his ambition and Mr Shamlal is second to none in this regard. He vies the retail markets of UK, Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and select African countries for immediate expansion and has his eyes set on expanding the retail footprint within existing countries of operations as well.

As the group odysseys across geographies, Shamlal also reiterates his father’s emphasis on ethics and values and encourages and actively participated in collaborative growth and development of all – the company, its management team, its customers and the society where it operates.

Rafael Papismedov

Co-Founder, Managing Partner | HB Antwerp

Rafael Papismedov, co-founder of HB Antwerp, has more than 20 years’ experience in the field of business development and international strategies.

He worked with international organisations and participated in several national priority projects in developing countries (financing, developing and operating), including refineries, mining and infrastructure.

In the last several years, Rafael engaged in strategic consulting for different heads of states and local human rights NGO’s.

With a clear spirit for entrepreneurship, Rafael will bring out of the box insight to the industry.

X

Ronnie VanderLinden

President | International Diamond Manufacturers Association

Ronnie began his career in the diamond industry in 1977 working as a diamond sawyer. In 1980, he broadened his training by joining a privately held international firm in New York, staying with the firm for nearly 10 years, gradually assuming greater responsibilities. This hands-on experience gave him the foundation he needed ultimately to open his own business, which he began in 1990. Ronnie is President of Diamex, Inc., a diamond manufacturer/wholesaler since 1976.

Ronnie has become well-known for his knowledge of both rough and polished diamonds. Nowadays, he finds himself travelling extensively in the USA, the Far East, Eastern and Western Europe, and Canada for business as well as consulting with other key industry leaders.

He has become deeply involved in all aspects of the industry by maintaining a number of top positions in national and global organizations. Ronnie is the immediate past President of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) and the President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and is the first President of the United States Jewelry Council (USJC), an umbrella organization of 17 US associations.

He is Former Chairman of the Board of the New York Diamond Dealers Club; served as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA); and is Treasurer of the World Diamond Council (WDC).

In addition, Ronnie is a member and Past President of the prestigious 24 Karat Club; holds a seat on the Executive Board of the 47th Street BID; is a member and board member of the American Jewish Committee, Jewelry Division; and a member and board member of the AGS & member and past board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

Stephen Lussier

Chairman and Executive Vice-President | Forevermark, De Beers Group

Stephen Lussier is Forevermark Chairman and Executive Vice-President, Consumer Markets, De Beers Group and a member of De Beers Group Executive Committee. After a number of roles in the company since 1985, in 2009 Stephen took up his role as Chief Executive Officer, Forevermark and Executive Vice President – Marketing, De Beers Group, and grew Forevermark into a truly global brand.

Forevermark is present in 35 markets, with more than 2,400+ retail stores across five continents. In April 2019, Stephen stepped away from his role as CEO of Forevermark, to increase his focus on shaping De Beers Group’s strategy at the consumer level in his role as Executive Vice-President of Consumer Markets.

Shamlal Ahamed

Managing Director – International Operations | Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Mr Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director – International Operations of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, found himself at the helm of jewellery retailing business affairs at a very young age. Having huge shoes to fill with a living visionary, M. P. Ahammed, as his father, Mr Shamlal took things up a notch with his motto ‘promise only what you can deliver’ exhibiting his repertoire brilliantly. His modus operandi has seen his brand scale new heights in an already competitive market, with him winning over clientele confidence in a short period of time.

Success is a dangerous elixir that can prompt unwise decisions. However, Mr Shamlal is not one to let emotions govern business strategies. Acutely balancing risks with ground realities, he has managed to propel Malabar Gold & Diamonds to the forefront of the international retail jewellery arena. Building on the group’s repute of trust and reliability, he propelled it to a position of being the Middle East’s largest jewellery retailer in a short span of time. He has transformed a talented workforce into a cadre of professional managers with a high emphasis on quality deliverance and unblemished integrity.

The mark of a true leader is his ambition and Mr Shamlal is second to none in this regard. He vies the retail markets of UK, Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and select African countries for immediate expansion and has his eyes set on expanding the retail footprint within existing countries of operations as well.

As the group odysseys across geographies, Shamlal also reiterates his father’s emphasis on ethics and values and encourages and actively participated in collaborative growth and development of all – the company, its management team, its customers and the society where it operates.

Rafael Papismedov

Co-Founder, Managing Partner | HB Antwerp

Rafael Papismedov, co-founder of HB Antwerp, has more than 20 years’ experience in the field of business development and international strategies.

He worked with international organisations and participated in several national priority projects in developing countries (financing, developing and operating), including refineries, mining and infrastructure.

In the last several years, Rafael engaged in strategic consulting for different heads of states and local human rights NGO’s.

With a clear spirit for entrepreneurship, Rafael will bring out of the box insight to the industry.

Dr Martin Leake

Martin Leake

Special Advisor - Precious Stones | DMCC

X

Martin Leake

Special Advisor - Precious Stones | DMCC

Dr Martin Leake is a Special Advisor for Precious Stones at DMCC. Appointed to the position in June 2018, Martin is responsible for expanding and diversifying DMCC’s Precious Stone portfolio and helping Dubai grow into the world’s number one diamond-trading hub.

As Company Secretary of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), Martin focuses on driving trade to through the Exchange by forging, and strengthening commercial partnerships with stakeholders across the diamond industry, to improve governance, compliance and responsible sourcing. He also chairs the organising committee for DMCC’s flagship diamond event, the Dubai Diamond Conference (DDC).

With over 15 years of experience in marketing both rough and polished diamonds, Martin is an expert on the economics of diamond mining, and an internationally recognised exploration geologist in gold, diamonds, copper, iron ore and coal.

Martin is a Board Member of the World Diamond Council, a member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Geology and a PhD in Exploration Geology from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.

Anish Aggarwal

Anish Aggarwal

Co-founder and Partner | GEMDAX

X

Anish Aggarwal

Co-founder and Partner | GEMDAX

Anish is co-founder and partner at GEMDAX, a global diamond specialist consultancy and his core areas of expertise range from stakeholder management and financial trusted advisory to distribution, marketing strategy and organisational change. He is also a recognised moderator and facilitator for global industry events and conferences.

Prior to GEMDAX, Anish worked in London as a Consultant for Oliver Wyman & Co, where he focussed on strategy development for the financial services sector. During his tenure, he worked on a range of projects with major investment and retail banks.

Anish holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

X

Martin Leake

Special Advisor - Precious Stones | DMCC

Dr Martin Leake is a Special Advisor for Precious Stones at DMCC. Appointed to the position in June 2018, Martin is responsible for expanding and diversifying DMCC’s Precious Stone portfolio and helping Dubai grow into the world’s number one diamond-trading hub.

As Company Secretary of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), Martin focuses on driving trade to through the Exchange by forging, and strengthening commercial partnerships with stakeholders across the diamond industry, to improve governance, compliance and responsible sourcing. He also chairs the organising committee for DMCC’s flagship diamond event, the Dubai Diamond Conference (DDC).

With over 15 years of experience in marketing both rough and polished diamonds, Martin is an expert on the economics of diamond mining, and an internationally recognised exploration geologist in gold, diamonds, copper, iron ore and coal.

Martin is a Board Member of the World Diamond Council, a member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Geology and a PhD in Exploration Geology from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.

Anish Aggarwal

Co-founder and Partner | GEMDAX

Anish is co-founder and partner at GEMDAX, a global diamond specialist consultancy and his core areas of expertise range from stakeholder management and financial trusted advisory to distribution, marketing strategy and organisational change. He is also a recognised moderator and facilitator for global industry events and conferences.

Prior to GEMDAX, Anish worked in London as a Consultant for Oliver Wyman & Co, where he focussed on strategy development for the financial services sector. During his tenure, he worked on a range of projects with major investment and retail banks.

Anish holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

X

Martin Leake

Special Advisor - Precious Stones | DMCC

Dr Martin Leake is a Special Advisor for Precious Stones at DMCC. Appointed to the position in June 2018, Martin is responsible for expanding and diversifying DMCC’s Precious Stone portfolio and helping Dubai grow into the world’s number one diamond-trading hub.

As Company Secretary of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), Martin focuses on driving trade to through the Exchange by forging, and strengthening commercial partnerships with stakeholders across the diamond industry, to improve governance, compliance and responsible sourcing. He also chairs the organising committee for DMCC’s flagship diamond event, the Dubai Diamond Conference (DDC).

With over 15 years of experience in marketing both rough and polished diamonds, Martin is an expert on the economics of diamond mining, and an internationally recognised exploration geologist in gold, diamonds, copper, iron ore and coal.

Martin is a Board Member of the World Diamond Council, a member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Geology and a PhD in Exploration Geology from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.

Anish Aggarwal

Co-founder and Partner | GEMDAX

Anish is co-founder and partner at GEMDAX, a global diamond specialist consultancy and his core areas of expertise range from stakeholder management and financial trusted advisory to distribution, marketing strategy and organisational change. He is also a recognised moderator and facilitator for global industry events and conferences.

Prior to GEMDAX, Anish worked in London as a Consultant for Oliver Wyman & Co, where he focussed on strategy development for the financial services sector. During his tenure, he worked on a range of projects with major investment and retail banks.

Anish holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.