INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND CONFERENCE 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Taj Lands End Hotel - Bandra
Mumbai, India
Arnav Mehta
Director, Blue Star Diamonds
Mr. Arnav Mehta, Director Blue Star, is a part of the diamonds industry
by birth as he inherits the diamond business from his family. Mr. Arnav Mehta studied
at the St Mary's ICSE, Mumbai (1999- ICSE board ranked 1 in School, top 10 in India)
and went for higher studies at the Antwerp International School (IB) 2001 with an
intention to explore a new diamond centre. He persued management studies at the
University College London (Dean's List, ranked 1 in Degree - Computing and Business
Management) in 2004. On completion on his academics he joined Surat diamond manufacturing
training and absorbed the most comprehensive knowledge on the technical aspects
of diamonds. He advanced on the diamond knowhow through his experience, post managing
the Surat factory and Mumbai sales. He heads the Mumbai operations of Blue Star
and was primarily responsible for starting up the company’s factory in Surat in2007.
He also led the operations at Gaborone & Botswana to get a license and a DTC sight
in 2012. Blue Star currently has offices in Mumbai, Surat, Antwerp, Gaborone, Hong
Kong, Melbourne & New York. A few of Arnav Mehta’s credentials in diamond training
include HRD Polish Grading (1999), De BeersRough Training Program 2002, Factory
Training, Surat - Planning, Polishing, Management(2004 – 2005) & Sales Training,
Mumbai (2005)
Avi Krawitz
Senior Analyst, Rapaport Group
Avi Krawitz is the senior analyst and writer for the Rapaport Group, where
he provides extensive research and analysis about the diamond industry for Rapaport’s
various publications and products. Prior to joining Rapaport in 2007, Avi worked
as a chief business correspondent at The Jerusalem Post, the leading English daily
newspaper in Israel. Born in South Africa, Avi has a Bachelor of Commerce degree
from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg with majors in business finance
and accounting. He currently resides in Tel Aviv.
B. S. Nagesh
Founder, TRRAIN Foundation
Mr. B. S. Nagesh has been with Shoppers Stop Ltd since its inception in
1991. Recognized as the pioneer of the retail boom in India, Mr. Nagesh was voted
by Business India as one of the top 50 managers in India who will influence the
Indian business scenario in the 21st century. Mr. Nagesh was also instrumental in
acquiring of the Crossword chain of bookstores in the year 2000. Ernst & Young nominated
him for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2005 as one of the top 30 finalists.
Mr. Nagesh is the first Asian to be inducted into the “World Retail Hall of Fame”
2008 along with Mr. Millard Drexler of J Crew, Sir Philip Green of BHS and Arcadia
and Mr. Amancio Ortega of Inditex at the World Retail Congress 2008 conducted in
Barcelona.
Shoppers Stop Ltd also won the ‘Emerging Market Retailer of the Year’ Award at the
World Retail Congress 2008. Mr. B.S. Nagesh has been involved in setting up and
opening the country’s largest hypermarket HyperCity, which was launched in May 2006.
In the year 2009, Mr. Nagesh was elevated as the Vice Chairman of Shoppers Stop
in a non executive position.
As part of his personal philosophy of Learn, Earn & Return, Nagesh stepped down
from all operational role in the K. Raheja Corp Group in August 2009 at the age
of 50. In the year 2011, he has set up a Public Charitable Trust called TRRAIN (TRUST
FOR RETAILERS AND RETAIL ASSOCIATES OF INDIA) and a Section 25 company called TRRAIN
FOUNDATION with the following objectives :
- Develop skills of Abled and Disabled people in Retail.
- Create pride and respect for Retailers and Retail Associates
- Provide Healthcare and Social Security Solutions
For more details, you may log onto :
www.trrain.org
Colin Shah
Managing Director, Kama Schachter
Colin Shah is the Managing Director of Kama Schachter Jewelry Pvt. Ltd.,
a position he has held since inception. Colin established Kama Jewellery in the
year 1996 and was responsible for the successful joint venture with Leo Schachter
in 2007 to form the new company Kama Schachter.
It is under Colin’s visionary leadership that the team at Kama is taking critical
steps to drive profitability, gain global market share, improve product quality,
customer care standards and consistently invest in technology. Colin is the elected
studded jewelry convener in the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India
(GJEPC) and is a committee member in the Seepz Gem and Jewellery Manufacturers Association
(SGJMA). He is a member of the Young President Organisation (YPO), comprising a
global network of approximately 20,000 young executives in more than 100 countries
and a member of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO), an organization engaging leading
entrepreneurs.
To date, Colin’s efforts have been recognized by numerous organizations’ including
the Government of India and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council resulting
in awards like the Largest Exporter outside Seepz for four consecutive years, the
Udyog Ratna Award and Emerging SME Award.
Colin was born in 1969 in Mumbai. He began his career in the diamond trade at 17
and had set up his own diamond trading business and a jewellery manufacturing unit
by the age of 21. He earned a bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University
of Mumbai and completed his vocational education from the International Gemological
Institute (IGI).
Ezriel Rapaport
Director of Global Trading, Rapaport Group
Ezriel Rapaport is the Director of Global Trading for the Rapaport Group
and is a primary advocate of free, transparent, efficient and competitive diamond
markets. Ezriel began his career as a personal assistant to his father, Martin Rapaport,
Chairman of the Rapaport Group. In 2008 he was appointed managing director of the
Group’s global trading division and Rapaport Auctions. He also serves on the board
of directors of the Rapaport Group and plays a key role in the Group’s strategic
development.
Ezriel developed the first competitive auction market for recycled diamonds. The
Rapaport auction platform provides consistent cash flow to wholesalers, retailers,
and pawnshops at transparent fair market value prices. Rapaport Auctions is the
leading reseller of diamonds in the world, with monthly sales of over 45,000 carats
of polished diamonds and sales in New York, Israel, Belgium, India, Dubai, and Hong
Kong.
Ghanshyam Dholakia
Managing Director, Hari Krishna Exports
Endowed with exceptional vision & outstanding leadership qualities Mr.
Ghanshyam Dholakia is the Managing Director of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. –
one of the fast growing companies & globally reputed as the most trusted diamond
supplier. With a keen eye on growth, he transformed the family run business into
a professionally managed organization.
Being official suppliers of Forevermark & CanadaMark, the company gets direct rough
supply from DTC, RioTinto, DDC & Alrosa; Only the second Indian company to have
obtained Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Certification of its size; and recipient
of “Excellence in Exports” award conferred by the GJEPC for 10 consecutive years
from 2003.
Mr. Marc Brauner
Co CEO, International Gemological Institute (IGI) Worldwide
1983 ~ 1987 : Diamond polisher in Antwerp
1987 ~ 1991 : Independent diamond trader
1991 ~ 2004 : IGI Worldwide; implementation and uniformity of lab procedures
2004 ~ present : IGI Hong Kong as Asia Pacific’s headquarters
Was appointed in 2007 Diamond Consultant to the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
by Royal warrant
Martin Rapaport
Chairman, Rapaport Group
Martin Rapaport is the chairman and founder of the Rapaport Group and is
a primary advocate for free, fair, transparent, efficient, competitive and ethical
diamond markets. His diamond price list and online trading network have reshaped
the global diamond industry. Rapaport played an important role creating the Kimberley
Process and is now establishing source monitoring and certification programs that
can ensure the legitimacy of the diamond supply chain.
Established in 1976, the Rapaport Group provides information, trading and certification
services to the international diamond and jewelry industry. The Rapaport Report
is the primary source of diamond price and market information. RapNet® is the world’s
first and largest electronic trading network with daily diamond listings of 975,000
diamonds valued at $6.3 billion and over 12,000 members in 80 countries. Rapaport
Trading is the world’s leading recycler of diamonds providing international auction/tender
services with monthly sales of over 45,000 carats. The Group is actively developing
markets for investment diamonds through its new RapX online diamond exchange providing
pricing transparency, liquidity, and efficiency in international clearing house
services. The Rapaport Group employs 180 people with offices in New York, Las Vegas,
Antwerp, Ramat Gan, Mumbai, Surat, Dubai, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Rapaport hosts a number of annual conferences in Las Vegas, Mumbai and Hong Kong.
He is especially proud of the annual “Fair Trade Jewelry Conference” held in Las
Vegas every year.
Mehmet Can ÖZDEMIR
General Manager of Turkey, HRD Antwerp
Mr. Mehmet Can ÖZDEMIR was born in 1984 in Istanbul. He graduated from
Kocaeli University. He studied metallurgy & material engineering. After graduation
he went to Belgium and complated his internship by HRD Antwerp.
He received education there as a “Senior Gemmologist”. After that he started to
work by HRD Antwerp.
He worked in order of as an AR-Ge Engineer, an Educator and a Director by HRD Antwerp
Europe Center Office. One and a half year later came back to Turkey and established
HRD Antwerp Office in Turkey. Since 2008 he is Genaral Manager of Turkey, HRD Antwerp
Michael Huang
Managing Director, Diamond Index Group
Education:
Master of Science, Engineering Management,University of Birmingham
Bachelor of Engineering, Electronic and Communication Engineering, University of
Birmingham
Bachelor of Science, Micro Electronics, Fudan University
Working as the managing director of Diamond Index Group, Mr Michael Huang is dedicated
to providing China’s Top-End market with world’s most precious and exclusive diamonds
and jewelry. With business in both retail and wholesale, Diamond Index Group works
hand in hand with strong local partners and serves a lot of China’s top celebrities
and entrepreneurs.
As the second generation joining the Family business, which was founded in HongKong
in the late 80’s, Michael started as an apprentice in his family’s Diamond Jewelry
business after his education in the United Kingdom. After years of hard work and
excellent contribution, he was appointed as the managing director as the family
business successor. With his international background and solid understanding of
the local clients, Mr. Michael Huang is making his organization a huge difference
from the traditional Chinese jewelers, rewarded by great progress expanding their
business every year since his leadership of the company.
Nitin Goenka
Managing Director, Goenka Diamond & Jewels
By the age of 21, Nitin Goenka had already established a flourishing business
of supplying diamonds and diamond jewelry to retailers across USA including Jamaica
and other smaller islands of the union - operating from his office in Manhattan,
New York. He designed all of the jewelry he sold and had them manufactured by the
best craftsmen in South East Asia particularly Hong Kong and India.
Nitin was appointed MD of Goenka Diamonds & Jewels Limited in 2001 and he made Mumbai
his base. He has always been focused on increasing sales and in turn the top-line,
and so he made further inroads into the international markets of Europe and the
USA, and has since set up diamond trading and retail business in South East Asia,
thereby further expanding the global business operations of Goenka Diamonds & Jewels
Limited.
Unveiled in March 2009, CERES – The House of Goenka, the brainchild of Nitin Goenka,
was the first milestone of Goenka Diamond & Jewels Limited’s foray in the high end
jewelry retail business. Each CERES piece spells unparalleled luxury and has a collection
of diamonds so rare and precious that can be best described as priceless.
Fascinated about big and rare stones, Nitin has a collection of some of the world’s
most beautiful and finest diamonds. Being passionate about his work, Nitin Goenka
aims to redefine luxury in jewelry in India and globally with a strong focus to
establish more than 15 luxury retail stores worldwide by 2014. Each boutique would
retail only the finest and very rare jewelry for connoisseurs only.
Nitin Goenka’ s expertise lies in large and rare diamonds. CERES SIGNATURE jewels
exceed in terms of value and rarity, jewelry collections available across the globe.
The prices start from 25 lakhs and run into a few crores for every piece. Goenka
Diamond & Jewels Ltd. is a NSE and BSE Listed Company.
Rajiv Mehta
Director, Dimexon Group
Mr. Rajiv P. Mehta was born in Mumbai, India, and today is designated as
a Director of Dimexon Group. Referred to as a true professional, he and his brother
Vishal along with their team at Dimexon are accredited with the transformation of
a family-run company into a dynamically evolving international business organisation.
Mr. Mehta completed his schooling in Mumbai and Brussels and joined the diamond
industry at the age of 19. He started his career in rough diamonds and over a period
of time acquired extensive experience in the diamond value chain - right from sawing,
planning to manufacturing and polished valuation. Over this period, he progressed
to undertake management of Dimexon’s factories while simultaneously leading the
rough sourcing arm of the business.
In the year 1999, he took an initiative to grow Dimexon’s core product portfolio
into medium and larger sizes. Over the next three years, Dimexon built a state-of-the-art
manufacturing facility in India employing nearly 750 people specializing in larger
sizes.
From the year 1999-2003, Mr. Mehta successfully spearheaded the sourcing and production
base with an inter-dependent responsibility of managing supply chain profitability.
From the year 2003-2005, Mr. Mehta and his brother Vishal, initiated a strategic
review of the business and subsequently led the implementation of various significant
initiatives for the group which highlighted its leadership position. In the recent
past, Mr. Mehta has been an invited speaker at various prominent world forums such
as, the GIA Symposium at San Diego and several Diamond conferences across New York,
Dubai and India. Owing to his philosophy of ‘continuous learning’, Mr Mehta completed
a management program in Corporate Finance from the London School of Business and
is now a proud alumni of LBS. Apart from work, Mr. Mehta nurtures a passion for
Motor Racing, Skiing and Tennis. At home, he prefers to spend quality time with
his family apart from watching movies, listening to music and reading.
Russell Mehta
Managing Director, Rosy Blue India
Mr. Russell Mehta is the Managing Director of Rosy Blue (India) Pvt. Ltd.
He is a commerce graduate from Mumbai University with a diploma in Diamonds from
Gemological Institute of America.
With his experience of over 30 years in diamonds and jewelry business, he has transformed
his family run business into a professionally managed organization. He has extensive
experience in various areas of business management at local and international level
- from strategic planning to tactical execution. A patient man, he believes that
there is more than one solution for every problem.
Sachin jain
President, Forevermark
Mr. Sachin Jain is the President of Forevermark - a wholly owned subsidiary
of the world's largest diamond group – De Beers. With more than a decade of experience
in the luxury goods and jewellery industry, Sachin effortlessly juggles between
multiple responsibilities whilst spearheading the business affairs of the brand.
Sachin joined Forevermark in 2010 as Head of Retail, India and was promoted as Managing
Director, India in 2011.
Sachin has over a decade of experience in the luxury goods and retail sector with
expertise spanningsales, marketing and general management; He began his careerwith
Benetton in 1999 and quickly learned the fundamentals of business. In 2002,Sachin
joined the Swatch Group where he had an extremely successful stint for 5 years.
In 2007 Sachin joined Lladro India and was pivotal in the overall growth of the
brand. A business management graduate with a flair for brands and retail, this 36year-old’s
achievement is the result of his initiative, dedication and skills. Sachin believes
in multi-tasking and has great business acumen and understanding. In his spare time
Sachin loves reading and travelling. Forevermark is a diamond brand from the De
Beers group of companies.
Sandeep Kulhalli
Vice President-Retail & Marketing, Tanishq Jewellery
Mr. Sandeep Kulhalli, is a BSc., (Chemistry) from Fergusson College, Pune
and has completed his Post Graduate in Management from Symbiosis, Pune(1982). Most
of his working experience has been in Sales & Marketing. He started work Sales Executive
at Electronica Sales & Service, Mumbai, for 3 years, followed by a Marketing stint
at Khimline Pumps Ltd, as marketing Executive for another 3 years. He then joined
as Area Sales Manager with Titan Industries Ltd, in 1988, and handled Sales Operations
in MP and Vidharbha, later moved to Calcutta as ASM, WB and NE launched Timex in
the East as Sales Manager, and completed the stint, as Sales Manager for Titan,
for East Region. From 1994, handled the North Region as Regional Manager, for all
business.
He moved to Corp office at Bangalore, in 2004, as Business Head-Customer Service,
later Headed the Retailing Business Group for the Watches Div, managing all Retail
Formats for the watches Brands, including Customer Service and the Large Format
Stores for over 3 years, subsequently headed International Business for the Co for
a year, in 2008, moved as Vice President-Retail & Marketing –Tanishq Jewellery,
manage the Flagship Brand Tanishq for India.
He has over 25 years experience with Titan Industries, across geographies and Businesses,
covering Sales, Distribution, Retail and Business Operations, as Profit centre Head.
Dr Suresh Surana
Founder, RSM Astute Consulting
Dr. Suresh Surana is the founder of RSM Astute Consulting Group, which
has offices across 12 cities in India and about 1000 personnel. RSM Astute Consulting
Group is the Indian member of RSM International, the seventh largest global network
of accounting and consulting firms. RSM Astute Group is closely working with the
Gem & Jewellery industry which covers mining companies, DTC sight holders as well
as other key market players over the past 2 decades.
Dr. Surana is a Chartered Accountant, a law graduate and doctorate in ‘Business
Policy & Administration’.
He is one of the most reputed tax consultants in India with specialization in International
Taxation, Corporate Structuring & Forex Regulations. He has authored several articles
in leading publications & is a regular speaker at various professional forums.
Vishal Doshi
Group Executive Director, Shrenuj & Company
Mr. Vishal Doshi, Group Executive Director, Shrenuj & Company Limited,
is a fourth generation diamantaire. He is responsible for providing strategic direction
for achieving all round growth Shrenuj Group for its operations across 15 countries.
His areas of expertise range from strategy formulation, cost efficiencies, financial
management, sourcing and manufacturing to creation of brands and retail operations.
He is known for his sharp intellect and effective decision making.
Mr. Vishal S. Doshi is also the Hon. Consul for Botswana in Mumbai, with jurisdiction
comprising Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. He has earned remarkable respect
for himself in the corporate world.
Wong Siu Kee, Kent
Managing Director, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group
Mr. Wong Siu Kee, Kent, joined Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (“Chow
Tai Fook” or “the Group”) in 1977, was appointed Managing Director in July 2011
responsible for the overall management of the Group. He is a member of the Nomination
Committee and Remuneration Committee of the Group which was listed on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange in December 2011. He is also a director of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Limited and other subsidiaries of the Group.
Mr. Wong has diverse experience in both operations and management. He was responsible
for developing the Group’s market in Mainland China and was promoted to managing
director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company Limited in 2008. He is also very active
in the industry, now serving as a member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Watches and Clocks Advisory Committee, social director of the Hong Kong Jewellers’
& Goldsmiths’ Association Ltd., chairman of the supervising committee of the Hong
Kong & Kowloon Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Employees’ Association Ltd., Vice Chairman
of the Gems and Jewellery Trade Association of China, Vice-Chairman of the Yantian
District General Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Yantian District
Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Mr. Wong is named one of the “25 Influential Chinese in Global Fashion” by world
renowned US business magazine Forbes in 2012.