LONDON, UK – On May 27, 2026, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the leading standard-setting organization for the global jewellery and watch industry, officially announced the results of its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the organization, as it welcomes a new cohort of industry leaders to its Board of Directors and Officer positions, signaling a strategic pivot toward heightened transparency, sustainable growth, and rigorous ethical compliance within the global supply chain.
The Mandate for Change: An Overview of the 2026 AGM
The RJC’s 2026 AGM served as more than a procedural requirement; it functioned as a referendum on the future of the industry’s ethical standards. By facilitating a democratic process that empowered its diverse membership—ranging from artisanal miners to global luxury retail conglomerates—the RJC has reinforced its commitment to collective governance.
The primary objective of this year’s election was to inject fresh expertise into the organization’s leadership, ensuring that the Board remains reflective of the multifaceted, rapidly evolving challenges faced by the jewellery sector, including traceability, climate change, and human rights due diligence.
A 12-Week Journey: The Chronology of Governance
The transition was not an overnight occurrence but the culmination of a rigorous 12-week independent election cycle. The process was designed to be as transparent as the standards the RJC promotes.
- Phase I (Mid-February to March 2026): The nomination period opened, inviting members from various industry forums—including mining, refining, manufacturing, and retail—to put forward candidates who embody the highest standards of integrity and professional excellence.
- Phase II (April 2026): The vetting process. An independent election body ensured that all candidates met the stringent criteria required for board service, balancing regional representation with sectoral expertise.
- Phase III (May 2026): The voting period. Members engaged in a digital balloting process, culminating in the formal announcement at the London-based AGM on May 27.
This methodical approach underscores the RJC’s dedication to institutional stability, ensuring that the incoming leadership has a clear mandate from the constituents they represent.
The New Leadership Architecture
The newly appointed team comprises a diverse array of global industry veterans. The distribution of these seats ensures that no single segment of the supply chain dominates the discourse, thereby fostering a holistic approach to policy-making.
The New Officers
The Officer roles represent the core of the RJC’s administrative and strategic stability:
- 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 Representatives
The Board of Directors is structured to mirror the entire lifecycle of a piece of jewellery:
- Mining: 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)
- Trade Associations: Bernadette Pinet Cuoq (UFBJOP)
Perspectives from the Helm
The appointments have been met with enthusiasm from both incoming and outgoing leadership, reflecting a sense of continuity and shared purpose.
Purvi Shah, Executive Director of the RJC, emphasized the democratic nature of the event: "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 of the Responsible Jewellery Council, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of institutional memory and fresh insight: "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."
Strategic Implications: What This Means for the Industry
The arrival of this new board comes at a time when the jewellery industry is under unprecedented scrutiny from consumers, governments, and NGOs. The implications of this new leadership structure are threefold:
1. Strengthening Due Diligence
With representatives from major global players like De Beers, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co., the RJC is positioned to tighten its grip on supply chain traceability. As digital passports for luxury goods become the norm, the new Board will likely prioritize the integration of blockchain and forensic verification technologies into the RJC Certification process.
2. Navigating the ESG Landscape
The inclusion of diverse sectoral experts—from refining (Argor-Heraeus) to trade associations (UFBJOP)—signals that the RJC will aggressively tackle Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. This includes addressing the carbon footprint of gold refining and ensuring equitable labor practices in gem-cutting centers, particularly in emerging markets.
3. Fostering Inclusivity
By maintaining a dedicated seat for the Service Industry (IGI India), the RJC demonstrates that the "Responsible" part of its mission extends to the educational and certification bodies that validate the quality and origin of stones. This helps bridge the gap between high-level policy and grassroots gemological practice.
Honoring the Past: A Tribute to Outgoing Members
While the focus remains on the future, the RJC leadership took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing Board. The transition of power is an essential aspect of organizational health, preventing stagnation and ensuring that the RJC remains an agile, dynamic body.
"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," Meleski added. "Their leadership has helped strengthen RJC’s work and support our continued evolution as a global standards organisation."
Looking Forward: The 2026-2028 Horizon
The newly appointed representatives are expected to hit the ground running. Their immediate priorities will include:
- Reviewing Certification Standards: Aligning RJC standards with the latest international guidelines, such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
- Global Expansion: Increasing outreach to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in Africa, Asia, and South America to ensure that "responsible jewellery" is an accessible goal, not just an elite benchmark.
- Digital Transformation: Enhancing the member experience through streamlined digital auditing tools.
The RJC’s mission remains unchanged: to promote the adoption of ethical, social, and environmental practices in the jewellery supply chain. However, with the 2026 appointments, the methodology for achieving this has been refined. The organization is no longer just a standard-setter; it is evolving into a proactive catalyst for global industry transformation.
As the industry moves into the latter half of the decade, the collaboration between these new board members—representing the most influential brands and the most vital technical experts in the field—will be the primary indicator of the RJC’s continued relevance. The 2026 AGM has effectively set the stage for a period of robust, transparent, and impact-driven leadership that seeks to ensure that the beauty of a piece of jewellery is matched by the integrity of its creation.
