London, UK — May 27, 2026 — In a pivotal development for the global jewellery and watch industry, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has officially announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors and executive officers. The announcement, which follows the conclusion of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), marks a significant transition in the governance of the world’s leading standard-setting organization for the supply chain of precious metals and gemstones.
As the industry faces unprecedented scrutiny regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, the newly elected leadership team arrives at a critical juncture. The appointees, representing a diverse cross-section of the global market, are tasked with steering the RJC through a complex landscape of regulatory pressures, ethical sourcing mandates, and the digital transformation of supply chain traceability.
The Core Mandate: Governance and Representation
The RJC, established to advance responsible business practices, relies on a robust democratic process to ensure that its standards remain relevant and credible. The 2026 AGM served as the culmination of a rigorous 12-week independent election process. During this period, the organization’s global membership engaged in a transparent cycle of nominations and voting, ensuring that every facet of the industry—from artisanal mining to high-end luxury retail—had a voice in shaping the organization’s future.
The 2026 Leadership Roster
The composition of the new board highlights a strategic blend of legacy expertise and modern industry foresight.
Newly Appointed 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:
- Mining (Diamonds/Coloured Gemstones/Precious Metals): Emma Wade-Smith, De Beers Group
- Trading, Cutting & Polishing: Victoria Wirth Reynolds (Tiffany & Co.) and 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 (France)
Chronology: The Road to the 2026 AGM
The transition of leadership was not a sudden event but the result of a meticulously planned governance cycle.
Phase 1: Nomination and Due Diligence (March 2026)
The process began in early March, with the RJC calling for nominations across all member forums. Unlike previous cycles, the 2026 process emphasized the need for candidates with specific experience in supply chain transparency and carbon-neutral initiatives.
Phase 2: The Election Window (April 2026)
For 12 weeks, the RJC membership participated in an independent election. This period allowed for campaigning and the articulation of visions for the Council’s future. The process was overseen by independent auditors to ensure that the integrity of the vote remained beyond reproach, reinforcing the RJC’s commitment to its own "Code of Practices."
Phase 3: The 2026 AGM (May 27, 2026)
The culmination of this process occurred at the AGM in London. Here, the final tallies were ratified, and the new board members were formally welcomed into their roles. The meeting also served as a forum for members to debate the strategic priorities for the next fiscal year, focusing on the integration of blockchain-based provenance tracking and the harmonization of international sustainability standards.
Supporting Data: Why This Board Matters
The global jewellery sector is currently valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, yet it remains under intense pressure to prove its sustainability credentials. Data from the 2025/2026 RJC audit cycle suggests that member companies are increasingly prioritizing "Scope 3" carbon emission reductions—those occurring across the supply chain.
The board composition reflects this data-driven reality:
- Integration of Refining Expertise: By including leaders from refiners like Argor-Heraeus, the RJC acknowledges that the most critical point of provenance—the point where raw material is purified—is central to consumer trust.
- The Retail Perspective: With representation from iconic brands like Cartier and Tiffany & Co., the board is uniquely positioned to translate consumer demand for ethical luxury into actionable industry standards.
- Regional Diversity: The inclusion of leadership from Indian and French trade associations ensures that the board understands the distinct regulatory environments of the East and the West.
Official Responses: A Vision for the Future
Purvi Shah, Executive Director, RJC
Reflecting on the importance of the AGM, Purvi Shah noted, "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."
Dave Meleski, Chair, RJC
Dave Meleski emphasized that the election is more than a formality; it is a signal of the industry’s maturity. "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 paid tribute to the outgoing board, stating, "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 for the Global Supply Chain
The appointment of this new board has several profound implications for the industry at large:
1. Enhanced Standard-Setting
The inclusion of diverse voices from miners to retailers suggests that the RJC will likely move toward more holistic standard-setting. Future guidelines may see a tighter integration between human rights due diligence and environmental stewardship.
2. Digital Transformation
With the backing of technology-forward board members, the RJC is expected to accelerate its push toward digital certification. As consumers demand "digital passports" for their diamonds and luxury watches, the board will need to provide the framework for these systems to be both secure and accessible.
3. Regulatory Alignment
As governments in the EU, North America, and Asia enact stricter laws regarding mineral sourcing (such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive), the RJC must act as the bridge that helps members comply with these disparate laws. The new board, with its international reach, is well-positioned to harmonize these requirements into a singular global standard.
Conclusion: Building on a Foundation of Integrity
As the new representatives assume their positions, they do so with the weight of expectation. The jewellery industry is no longer merely selling beauty; it is selling values. The RJC’s ability to maintain its role as the definitive authority on ethical sourcing depends entirely on the actions of this board.
The transition from the outgoing board to the new leadership represents continuity in mission but a potential evolution in methodology. By acknowledging the contributions of the past while embracing the challenges of the future, the Responsible Jewellery Council continues to solidify its place as the bedrock of trust in the global jewellery and watch trade.
As of late May 2026, the industry looks toward this new leadership team to not only maintain the status quo but to push the boundaries of what it means to be a "responsible" participant in the global economy. With a clear mandate from their peers and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission, the 2026 board of the RJC is poised to steer the industry toward a more transparent, ethical, and sustainable horizon.
