Edward Asscher, the incumbent Vice Chair of the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC), announced that he will run for another term in the position. In a letter to the RJC membership, he noted that the diamond, gem, and jewellery industry would be facing greater commercial challenges than ever before.
“After serving four years as Vice Chair, I continue to argue that we need to improve the reputation of our industries in the widest sense. We do this with transparency and communication by the RJC. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Purvi Shah we must continue our efforts to streamline the organisation, make our governance more transparent, and our standards more easily understood and implemented.”
Asscher reiterated the mantra he has widely shared since taking up his first public office, specifically when he began his first term as Chairman of the World Diamond Council a decade ago
“Since I began my public service to the industry many years ago, my motto has always been: “Leave no one behind.” As such, my greatest concern is the small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). SMEs make up the bulk of our global industry and trade and our membership, meaning that the RJC has a responsibility to equitably serve these members as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
After 50 years at the helm of the Amsterdam-based family-run business Royal Asscher Diamonds, Asscher retired in 2020, but remains non-executive Chairman. “The business is now in the capable hands of my children, Lita and Mike Asscher.”