RJC to Expand with New Development Hire

RAPAPORT… The Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) has appointed gemologist
Edward Johnson as director of business development, tasking him with improving
the organization’s relationships with members and other industry players.

Johnson (pictured) previously held the same title at the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA), where, from 2015, he worked to establish the
laboratory’s presence in the UK and expand it across Europe. He joined the GIA in 2002 as director of education in London, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Johnson will report to executive director Andrew Bone, and will
develop strategies for increasing membership engagement and strengthen ties
with key stakeholders, the RJC said last week. He will also evaluate
opportunities for the standards organization to expand into new markets, with a strong focus on Greater China, India and the US.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at the RJC,
and look forward to progressing their vision of an industry-wide accreditation,”
Johnson said. “The work of the RJC proposes a set of unique challenges, but
also an exciting prospect of growth and opportunity to promote the industry’s
strong determination to deliver confidence to its consumers and uphold
sustainable practices.”