London, UK — May 27, 2026 — In a pivotal development for the global jewellery and watch industry, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has officially unveiled its newly elected Board of Directors and Officer cohort following the conclusion of its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The announcement marks the culmination of a comprehensive, 12-week democratic electoral process that underscores the organisation’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and member-led governance.
As the industry navigates an increasingly complex landscape defined by heightened environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations, the fresh mandate provided by the membership ensures that the RJC remains at the vanguard of ethical standards.
The Strategic Importance of the 2026 AGM
The AGM serves as the cornerstone of the RJC’s governance framework. It is the primary forum where the diverse voices of the jewellery supply chain—ranging from artisanal miners to global luxury retail houses—converge to chart the strategic course of the organisation.
"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," said Purvi Shah, Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council. "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."
This year’s transition is particularly significant as the RJC continues to evolve its certification standards to meet the demands of modern consumers and regulatory bodies worldwide.
Chronology: The Road to the 2026 Board
The installation of the new Board was not a sudden occurrence but the result of a rigorous, multi-month operational timeline designed to ensure maximum inclusivity and integrity.
- Phase 1: The Call for Nominations (February 2026): The RJC initiated an open call for nominations, inviting members from every segment of the supply chain to put forward candidates for Officer and Board positions. This phase emphasized diversity in geography, expertise, and sector representation.
- Phase 2: The Independent Election Process (March – May 2026): To maintain the highest standards of neutrality, the RJC employed an independent election process. During this 12-week window, members engaged in extensive dialogue, assessing the platforms and credentials of candidates.
- Phase 3: The Ballot (May 2026): Voting concluded in the days leading up to the AGM, with a robust turnout reflecting the high level of engagement among the RJC’s global membership.
- Phase 4: Formal Ratification (May 27, 2026): The results were formally announced at the AGM in London, confirming the transition of leadership roles and the seating of the new Board members.
The New Leadership: A Diverse Mandate
The 2026 appointments represent a strategic blend of industry veterans and forward-thinking experts. The composition of the Board is meticulously designed to ensure that no single sector of the supply chain dominates the decision-making process, fostering a truly holistic approach to industry regulation.
Executive Officers
- 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)
Board of Directors
The Board represents the granular diversity of the global jewellery trade, ensuring that the interests of miners, refiners, manufacturers, and retailers are balanced:
- Mining Sector: Emma Wade-Smith (De Beers Group)
- Trading, Cutting, and Polishing: Victoria Wirth Reynolds (Tiffany & Co.) and Ravi Bhansali (Rosy Blue NV)
- Refining and Hedging: Dr. Robin Kolvenbach (Argor-Heraeus SA)
- Manufacturing and Wholesaling: Arien Gessner (Richline Group)
- Retail: Anouchka Didier-Mansour (Cartier)
- Service Industry: Kareena Shahani (International Gemological Institute, India)
- Trade Associations: Bernadette Pinet Cuoq (UFBJOP)
Supporting Data: Why Governance Matters
The jewellery industry is currently undergoing a transformative shift. According to recent industry reports, consumer demand for "provenance-backed" products has risen by 40% over the last five years. The RJC’s governance model is the primary engine behind the verification of these claims.
The newly elected Board oversees a massive ecosystem:
- Supply Chain Reach: The RJC’s membership spans over 1,700 companies across the globe.
- Standards Coverage: The Board is responsible for the oversight of the Code of Practices (COP), which covers human rights, labour rights, environmental impact, and mining practices.
- Audit Integrity: The Board provides the governance framework for independent third-party audits, ensuring that members are not just "self-certifying" but meeting rigorous, externally verified benchmarks.
By electing leaders from influential global entities like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and De Beers, the RJC ensures that its standards are not only theoretically sound but practically implementable at the highest tiers of the market.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
Dave Meleski, Chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council, underscored that the election is about continuity as much as it is about change.
"Strong governance and member engagement remain central to RJC’s work and long-term ambition," Meleski stated. "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 legacy of the outgoing Board members, noting that the organisation’s current strength is built on their foundational work. "On behalf of the organisation 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 RJC’s work and support our continued evolution as a global standards organisation."
Implications: The Future of Responsible Sourcing
The installation of this new Board signals several key shifts in the RJC’s trajectory for the remainder of the decade:
1. Enhanced Regulatory Alignment
With the European Union and other jurisdictions tightening supply chain due diligence laws (such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive), the RJC’s new leadership will be tasked with ensuring that RJC certification remains the "gold standard" that satisfies these legal requirements, effectively insulating members from regulatory risk.
2. Technological Integration
The appointment of representatives from service-oriented and high-tech manufacturing backgrounds suggests a move toward deeper integration of blockchain and forensic technology in provenance tracking. As traceability becomes the industry’s greatest challenge, the Board is expected to prioritize digital verification tools.
3. Strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
While the Board includes representatives from global conglomerates, the inclusion of voices from trade associations and diverse regional players (such as the Indian gemological sector) ensures that the RJC’s standards remain accessible to smaller entities. This inclusivity is vital for the health of the entire industry ecosystem.
4. Sustainability and Climate Action
As the industry faces increasing scrutiny over its carbon footprint, the presence of mining and refining experts on the Board indicates that decarbonisation of the supply chain will remain a top priority. The Board will likely oversee new initiatives aimed at helping members transition to net-zero operations.
Conclusion: A Foundation for Continued Impact
The 2026 RJC AGM has successfully delivered a clear mandate for the organisation’s future. By balancing the expertise of industry stalwarts with the necessity for inclusive, transparent governance, the RJC is well-positioned to navigate the turbulent waters of global commerce.
As the newly appointed representatives begin their terms, they carry the weight of an industry that is increasingly defined by its ethical footprint. Their role is no longer merely to maintain standards, but to innovate them. With the combined experience of the newly elected Board and the ongoing support of the membership, the RJC continues to serve as the ultimate guardian of trust for the global jewellery and watch consumer.
For those within the industry, this transition is a clear signal that responsible business is not a passing trend, but the permanent infrastructure upon which the future of the jewellery trade will be built. The RJC stands ready to support its members in this evolution, ensuring that every stone, metal, and timepiece carries a story of integrity.
