LONDON, UK – The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the leading global standards-setting organization for the jewellery and watch industry, has officially announced a significant leadership transition following the conclusion of its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The announcement marks the culmination of a rigorous, 12-week democratic election cycle, signaling a refreshed strategic direction for the organization as it navigates an increasingly complex global landscape of sustainability, ethics, and supply chain transparency.
The appointments, which span key Officer and Board-level positions, represent a cross-section of the industry’s most influential entities. By integrating voices from mining giants to retail powerhouses, the RJC aims to fortify its commitment to ethical integrity and responsible business practices across the entire value chain.
The 2026 Leadership Transition: A New Strategic Mandate
The 2026 AGM served as more than a procedural requirement; it acted as a litmus test for the organization’s member-driven governance model. With the global jewellery industry facing heightened scrutiny regarding human rights, environmental impact, and provenance, the newly elected Board members are tasked with steering the RJC through its next chapter of growth.
The New Officer Appointments
The Officer roles represent the executive backbone of the RJC, responsible for the fiscal health and procedural integrity of the organization.
- 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 New Board Appointments
The Board of Directors comprises experts from across the industry, ensuring that every facet of the supply chain—from the mine to the retail counter—is represented in the decision-making process:
- Miner (Diamonds, Coloured Gemstones, Precious Metals): Emma Wade-Smith, De Beers Group
- Trader, Cutter, and/or Polisher (Diamonds/Coloured Gemstones): Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Tiffany & Co.
- Trader, Cutter, and/or Polisher (Diamonds/Coloured Gemstones): Ravi Bhansali, Rosy Blue NV
- Trader, Refiner, and/or Hedger (Precious Metals): Dr. Robin Kolvenbach, Argor-Heraeus SA
- Manufacturer and/or Wholesaler: Arien Gessner, Richline Group
- Retailer: Anouchka Didier-Mansour, Cartier
- Service Industry: Kareena Shahani, International Gemological Institute (India) Pvt Ltd.
- Trade Association: Bernadette Pinet Cuoq, UFBJOP
Chronology of the 2026 Election Process
The transition did not occur overnight. It was the result of a meticulously planned, 12-week independent election process designed to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
Weeks 1-4: The Nomination Phase
The process commenced with a formal call for nominations. Recognizing the diversity of its membership, the RJC opened the floor to all eligible member forums. This period allowed members to put forward candidates who not only possessed deep industry experience but also demonstrated a clear commitment to the RJC’s mission of responsible growth.
Weeks 5-8: Vetting and Campaigning
During this middle phase, the independent election committee oversaw the verification of candidates. Ensuring that all nominees met the stringent governance requirements of the RJC was paramount. Candidates engaged with the membership, outlining their visions for the future of the organization, focusing on themes of digital transformation, traceability, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance.
Weeks 9-12: The Voting Period and AGM Ratification
The final month was dedicated to member voting. Using an independent digital platform, RJC members cast their ballots, ensuring that the process remained free from bias. The final results were tabulated and officially ratified during the 2026 AGM in London, setting the stage for the newly elected representatives to begin their tenure immediately.
Supporting Data: Why Governance Matters in 2026
The importance of this election cannot be overstated. As of 2026, the jewellery and watch industry is under intense pressure from consumers and regulators alike to provide verifiable data on provenance. According to industry analysis, over 70% of luxury consumers now consider "ethical sourcing" a non-negotiable factor in their purchase decisions.
The RJC’s governance structure is designed to support this demand. By rotating Board members, the organization ensures that it remains agile and relevant. The diversity of the 2026 board—spanning from Indian diamond processing to French luxury retail—mirrors the global nature of the trade.
- Market Representation: The Board now encompasses key stakeholders from Europe, Asia, and North America, ensuring a balanced geopolitical perspective on standard-setting.
- Standard Evolution: The new board is expected to prioritize the integration of blockchain-based traceability and enhanced environmental reporting standards, reflecting the current shift toward the "circular economy" in luxury goods.
Official Responses: A Commitment to Collective Impact
The leadership of the RJC expressed profound optimism regarding the transition, emphasizing that the strength of the organization lies in its membership’s participation.
Purvi Shah, Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council, noted the significance of the AGM as a cornerstone of the organization’s health:
"The Annual General Meeting is an important moment for member participation and governance within RJC, providing our community with the opportunity to shape the organisation’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."
Echoing these sentiments, Dave Meleski, Chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council, underscored the importance of continuity and gratitude toward those who have completed their service:
"Strong governance and member engagement remain central to RJC’s work and long-term ambition. 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 a moment to acknowledge the outgoing members, whose contributions were instrumental during a period of significant global instability and industry transformation. "Their leadership has helped strengthen RJC’s work and support our continued evolution as a global standards organization," he added.
Implications: The Road Ahead for the RJC
The appointment of these 11 new representatives heralds a shift in the strategic priorities of the RJC. With the industry facing a "sustainability mandate," the new Board is expected to focus on three primary pillars:
1. Enhanced Supply Chain Traceability
The inclusion of expertise from the refining and trading sectors (Dr. Kolvenbach, Ravi Bhansali) suggests that the RJC will likely double down on its efforts to map supply chains. As regulatory bodies like the EU implement stricter due diligence requirements, the RJC’s role in verifying these chains becomes more critical than ever.
2. Deepening Retailer-Consumer Trust
With leaders from Cartier and Tiffany & Co. on the Board, the organization is clearly aligning itself with the needs of the luxury retail sector. The focus will be on translating complex technical standards into consumer-facing narratives that can build trust at the point of sale.
3. Strengthening Global Partnerships
The appointment of Bernadette Pinet Cuoq from the UFBJOP highlights the importance of trade associations in maintaining local standards while adhering to global mandates. This indicates that the RJC plans to bridge the gap between regional trade bodies and international compliance standards more effectively.
Conclusion
As the 2026 AGM concludes, the Responsible Jewellery Council enters a new chapter with a leadership team that is well-equipped to handle the challenges of a modern, digitized, and socially conscious market. By balancing the wisdom of veteran industry leaders with the expertise of modern supply chain innovators, the RJC is positioning itself to remain the gold standard for ethics in the jewellery and watch industry.
The transition is a testament to the organization’s enduring commitment to the "responsible" in its title. As the new Board members take their seats, the global industry watches closely, expecting these leaders to uphold the high standards that define the RJC’s legacy and influence.
