WDC president to stand down

Mr Izhakoff, who has led the diamond and jewellery organisation for 13 years, informed the WDC board of directors of his intentions at the organisation’s annual meeting in Vicenza, Italy in May 2012.

“It has been an often challenging, but always inspiring period of my career, and one of which I am immensely proud.” remarked Eli Izhakoff.

“The World Diamond Council, which was created in response to one of the gravest crises to face our industry, was not only instrumental in creating the system that blocked the flow of conflict diamonds into the legitimate trade, but also changed the way in which we see our role as a business community in a greater society. It also changed way in which are regarded by our stakeholders and our consumers.

“I was privileged to serve as president from the very beginning, but it is now time for me and the World Diamond Council to move on. After 13 years the WDC is preparing for the future. A Steering Committee that I appointed last year is working on reforms that will strengthen our organization, and I plan to have them adopted and implemented before 30 June. The WDC is evolving and adapting for the years ahead, and it is with that same spirit of renewal I believe a new president should assume responsibility.”