LONDON, UK – May 27, 2026 – The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world’s leading standards organization for the jewellery and watch supply chain, has officially confirmed its new leadership lineup for the coming term. Following the conclusion of its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the organization announced a comprehensive roster of Officers and Board representatives, marking a pivotal moment in the council’s ongoing commitment to ethical transparency, sustainability, and global governance.
The appointments, which represent a diverse cross-section of the global jewellery sector, emerge from a rigorous 12-week independent election cycle. This democratic process allowed the RJC’s expansive membership base to directly influence the organization’s strategic trajectory, ensuring that the governing body remains reflective of the evolving needs of miners, refiners, retailers, and trade associations alike.
The 2026 Leadership Roster: A Strategic Overview
The newly appointed cohort represents a blend of seasoned industry veterans and forward-thinking experts from across the global value chain. The appointments were finalized during the AGM, where the following individuals were confirmed to their respective positions:
The Officer Appointments
- Vice-Chair: Edward Asscher, Royal Asscher Diamond Company
- Honorary Secretary: Udi Sheintal, World Diamond Council
- Honorary Treasurer: Arnav Akshay Mehta, M/s. Blue Star Diamonds Pvt. Ltd
The Board Appointments
- Diamonds, Coloured Gemstones or Precious Metals Miner: Emma Wade-Smith, De Beers Group
- Diamonds and Coloured Gemstones Trader, Cutter and/or Polisher: Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Tiffany & Co.
- Diamonds and Coloured Gemstones Trader, Cutter and/or Polisher: Ravi Bhansali, Rosy Blue NV
- Precious Metals Trader, Refiner and/or Hedger: Dr. Robin Kolvenbach, Argor-Heraeus SA
- Jewellery and Watch Manufacturer and/or Wholesaler: Arien Gessner, Richline Group
- Jewellery and Watch Retailer: Anouchka Didier-Mansour, Cartier
- Service Industry: Kareena Shahani, International Gemological Institute (India) Pvt Ltd.
- Trade Association: Bernadette Pinet Cuoq, UFBJOP (Union française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres et des Perles)
A Chronology of the 2026 Election Process
The transition to this new leadership structure was the result of a meticulously planned, multi-month initiative designed to maximize transparency and inclusivity.
Phase 1: Nomination and Open Calls (February–March 2026)
The process began in early spring, with the RJC secretariat issuing a formal call for nominations. Recognizing the diversity of its membership, the RJC invited candidates from across all member forums, ensuring that small-scale enterprises and multinational corporations alike had a voice in the leadership selection.
Phase 2: Independent Review (April 2026)
To maintain the highest standards of corporate governance, the RJC engaged an independent body to oversee the election. During this 12-week window, candidates underwent a vetting process to ensure their alignment with the RJC’s Code of Practices and their capacity to contribute to the organization’s mission of responsible business.
Phase 3: The Membership Vote (Early May 2026)
RJC members participated in a secure, digital voting process. The high level of engagement during this period highlighted the importance members place on the RJC’s role in setting global standards for social, ethical, and environmental practices.
Phase 4: Ratification at the AGM (May 27, 2026)
The results were formally ratified at the 2026 Annual General Meeting in London. This assembly served as the official handover point, transitioning the council from its previous leadership to the new board members who will guide the organization through the next chapter of its development.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
The announcement has been met with optimism by the organization’s executive leadership, who emphasize the importance of member-driven governance in an era of heightened consumer scrutiny.
Perspective from the Executive Director
Purvi Shah, Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council, underscored the significance of the AGM as a cornerstone of the organization’s identity. “The Annual General Meeting is an important moment for member participation and governance within the RJC,” Shah stated. “It provides our community with the opportunity to shape the organization’s future direction with purpose. We are pleased to welcome our newly elected representatives and look forward to working with them as we continue advancing responsible business practices, collaboration, and positive impact across the jewellery and watch industry.”
Perspective from the Chair
Dave Meleski, Chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council, highlighted that the strength of the organization lies in its ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the jewellery trade. “Strong governance and member engagement remain central to the RJC’s work and long-term ambition,” Meleski remarked. “These appointments reflect the voice of our membership and bring valuable expertise and perspectives to the RJC as we continue supporting the responsible growth and evolution of our industry.”
Meleski also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing board members. “On behalf of the organization and our membership, I would like to express our sincere thanks to our outgoing representatives for their dedication, insight, and contribution during their terms of service. Their leadership has helped strengthen the RJC’s work and support our continued evolution as a global standards organization.”
Implications: The Road Ahead for the RJC
The appointment of this new board comes at a critical time for the jewellery and watch industry. As global supply chains face increased pressure regarding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, the RJC’s role as an arbiter of integrity is more vital than ever.
1. Strengthening Global Standards
With new representation from major refiners like Argor-Heraeus and retailers like Cartier and Tiffany & Co., the Board is well-positioned to tackle the complexities of provenance and supply chain traceability. The inclusion of diverse perspectives from both established mining giants and specialized service providers ensures that the RJC’s standards remain both rigorous and practical for a global, fragmented industry.
2. Navigating the ESG Landscape
The 2026 board will be tasked with navigating the intensifying demands for climate action and human rights protection. As the jewellery sector shifts toward circularity and decarbonization, the board’s expertise in precious metals refining and gemstone trading will be instrumental in developing new, standardized metrics for reporting and accountability.
3. Fostering Inclusivity
The election of representatives from varied regional trade associations—such as the UFBJOP in France and the International Gemological Institute in India—indicates a strategic pivot toward global inclusivity. By empowering regional voices, the RJC can better address localized challenges, ensuring that the "Responsible" in its name applies equally to a boutique artisan workshop in Paris as it does to a large-scale diamond operation in Botswana.
4. Continuity and Growth
The transition period will see the newly appointed board members working closely with the executive team to refine the RJC’s strategic pillars. This continuity is essential for maintaining the momentum built by the previous board. The focus will remain on scaling the RJC’s certification programs, increasing transparency for the end consumer, and ensuring that member companies remain at the forefront of ethical innovation.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Lasting Impact
The 2026 RJC board appointments are more than a administrative transition; they represent a reaffirmed commitment to the organization’s founding principles. In an industry where trust is the primary currency, the ability to demonstrate, verify, and improve ethical conduct is what separates leaders from the rest of the market.
As the new representatives assume their duties, they inherit a mantle of responsibility that extends beyond the boardroom. They are the stewards of a global movement aimed at proving that luxury and responsibility are not mutually exclusive—rather, they are inextricably linked.
The RJC looks forward to building on the foundation established by their predecessors, driving the organization’s mission forward as it continues to set the gold standard for integrity in the global jewellery and watch supply chain. With a renewed board and a clear mandate from its members, the Council is well-prepared to meet the challenges of 2026 and beyond, ensuring a brighter, more transparent future for all who participate in the trade.
