DPA Chief Lieberherr Steps Down

RAPAPORT… Jean-Marc Lieberherr has resigned as CEO of the Diamond
Producers Association (DPA), an organization he has led since its formation in
2015.

Lieberherr became the DPA’s first chairman in December 2015,
before taking on the role of CEO in February 2016. He will be succeeded by David Kellie, a
marketing executive who has worked for Watches of Switzerland and Ralph Lauren.

“We are very pleased to have someone of David’s caliber to
take over as DPA CEO, especially given the organization’s key marketing role,”
DPA and Forevermark chairman Stephen Lussier said last week. “David brings
extensive experience to the DPA, having led traditional and digital marketing
programs across the major global markets. He is extremely well equipped to lead
our marketing teams as we seek to inspire ever more consumers of all ages
across the world with the ‘diamond dream.’”

Kellie will take on his position in December, while
Lieberherr will leave when his contract period ends on December 31.

The DPA was formed in 2015 by seven diamond companies,
including Alrosa, De Beers and Rio Tinto, to enhance consumer demand for, and
confidence in, diamonds. It acts as a source of information about the diamond
industry, and produces marketing content for the trade.

“This is an emotional moment for me after four years of
association with the DPA, but I am proud of what has been achieved since the
DPA was created,” Lieberherr said. “The DPA now has strong teams and foundations
in place to capture the opportunities that lie ahead, and it is time for a new
leader to take the organization through its next phase of development.”

Image: Jean-Marc Lieberherr. (Diamond Producers Association)