London, UK — May 27, 2026 — In a move designed to bolster the integrity and strategic oversight of the global jewellery and watch sector, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has officially announced the appointment of a new cohort of Officers and Board members. The announcement, following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it navigates an increasingly complex landscape of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and global supply chain transparency.
The appointment process, which spanned a rigorous 12-week independent election cycle, saw active participation from the RJC’s diverse membership base. By inviting members to nominate and vote for representatives across various industry forums, the organization has reinforced its commitment to a democratic, member-led governance model.
The 2026 Mandate: A New Chapter for Industry Standards
The jewellery industry currently stands at a crossroads. With consumer demand for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transparency reaching an all-time high, the role of the RJC as a standard-setting body has never been more critical. The newly elected board members represent a cross-section of the global industry, spanning from major mining operations and luxury retailers to specialized service providers and trade associations.
Newly Appointed Officers
The executive leadership team, tasked with the day-to-day governance and fiscal stewardship of the Council, features veteran industry figures:
- 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 2026 Board of Directors
The Board of Directors brings a wealth of expertise to the table, ensuring that the diverse voices within the supply chain are represented:
- Mining: Emma Wade-Smith, De Beers Group
- Trading, Cutting & Polishing: Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Tiffany & Co.; Ravi Bhansali, Rosy Blue NV
- Refining & Hedging: Dr. Robin Kolvenbach, Argor-Heraeus SA
- Manufacturing & Wholesaling: Arien Gessner, Richline Group
- Retail: Anouchka Didier-Mansour, Cartier
- Service Industry: Kareena Shahani, International Gemological Institute (India) Pvt Ltd.
- Trade Association: Bernadette Pinet Cuoq, UFBJOP
Chronology: The Road to the 2026 AGM
The path to the 2026 appointments was characterized by a meticulous, transparent, and independent electoral process.
Phase 1: Nomination (February – March 2026)
The process began in late February, with the RJC opening a call for nominations across all member forums. Recognizing that the strength of the Council lies in the diversity of its membership, the RJC encouraged candidates from various geographic regions and sectors to put their names forward, ensuring that the Board reflects the global nature of the jewellery supply chain.
Phase 2: Independent Review (April 2026)
To maintain the highest standards of integrity, the RJC engaged an independent body to oversee the election process. This prevented conflicts of interest and ensured that the voting platform remained secure, transparent, and accessible to all member companies, regardless of size or geographic location.
Phase 3: The Vote (May 2026)
During the month of May, members exercised their right to vote, selecting individuals who they believed would best champion their specific sub-sectors while upholding the overarching mission of responsible business practices.
Phase 4: The AGM (May 27, 2026)
The culmination of this process occurred at the 2026 AGM in London, where the results were finalized and the new representatives were formally introduced to the membership.
Supporting Data: Why Governance Matters
The RJC’s governance structure is not merely an administrative framework; it is the engine that drives its core objective: the promotion of ethical, social, and environmental practices. As the organization grows, the complexity of its mandate increases.
Recent internal data from the RJC indicates that member participation in governance processes has seen a 15% increase compared to the 2024 election cycle. This uptick in engagement reflects a broader industry trend where companies are viewing sustainability certifications as a competitive advantage rather than a regulatory hurdle. By filling these board seats with representatives from global giants like Cartier and De Beers alongside specialized entities, the RJC ensures that its policy decisions are grounded in practical reality—balancing the needs of small-scale artisanal miners with those of global luxury conglomerates.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
The leadership at the RJC remains steadfast in its belief that the right people in the right roles will define the success of the organization for the remainder of the decade.
Purvi Shah, Executive Director of the RJC, emphasized the importance of member participation: "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 RJC, highlighted the long-term strategic value of the new board. "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."
In a gracious gesture to those departing the board, Meleski added, "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 Jewellery
The appointment of this new leadership team carries several significant implications for the global jewellery trade:
1. Increased Emphasis on Traceability
With experts from mining, refining, and retail sitting on the same board, the RJC is positioned to accelerate the implementation of blockchain and other digital tracking technologies. The goal is to create an immutable record of a gemstone or precious metal from the mine to the final consumer.
2. Harmonizing Global Standards
The inclusion of representatives from major trade associations like the UFBJOP (France) suggests that the RJC is prioritizing the harmonization of standards across borders. As international regulations—such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)—tighten, having a board that understands regional nuances will be vital for member compliance.
3. Scaling Impact in Emerging Markets
The appointment of board members with strong links to India and other key manufacturing hubs indicates an intent to scale up responsible business practices in emerging markets. By providing resources and guidance to manufacturers in these regions, the RJC aims to raise the bar for the entire industry.
4. Navigating Geopolitical Challenges
The jewellery industry is highly sensitive to geopolitical shifts, particularly concerning the diamond trade and the sourcing of precious metals. The new board is expected to provide the steady leadership required to navigate potential trade sanctions and supply chain disruptions while maintaining the integrity of the RJC’s certification standards.
Conclusion: A Foundation for Continued Evolution
The 2026 AGM has provided the Responsible Jewellery Council with a refreshed leadership team that is well-equipped to face the challenges of the coming years. As these newly appointed Officers and Board members begin their terms, the organization is set to continue its mission of fostering trust in the global jewellery and watch industry.
By combining institutional memory with fresh perspectives, the RJC is reinforcing its position as the preeminent body for responsible business practices. As the industry continues to evolve, the partnership between the RJC’s secretariat and its member-elected leadership will be the catalyst for meaningful, lasting change. The path forward is clear: through collaboration, rigorous standards, and unwavering dedication to ethics, the jewellery industry can continue to thrive as a beacon of responsible commerce.
