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RAPAPORT... Rory More O'Ferrall joined the Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) as honorary vice chairman and will be contributing to building the group's corporate relations. After 36 years, More O'Ferrall retired from the De Beers Group in 2007, where he was director of external affairs. Presently, he is a private consultant who specializes in international and governmental relations, public and private partnerships, conflict prevention and resolution and corporate social responsibility. He resides on Ibiza in the Balearic Islands.
"We have a responsibility to preserve the integrity of our trade and to ensure the welfare of those who work in our business," said More O'Ferrall. "It makes solid business sense for the entire industry. It's important work and I'm excited to renew my involvement with DDI."
DDI believes that artisanal and small scale diamond miners are a vital part of the supply chain and has a mandate to bring together all stakeholders to address the development issues that confront those segments. It is not enough to provide consumers with conflict-free diamonds, but rather to add responsibly-sourced diamonds and gold as the new jewelry industry standard. DDI stated that when supported and guided, artisanal miners are capable of supplying ethically mined diamonds.
DDI's board chair, Ian Smillie, said, "We welcome Rory back to the DDI family and we are exceptionally pleased to have him and his expertise at the table."
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