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RAPAPORT...
The newly elected board of directors of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) elected Stephane Fischler as its new president. The board also appointed Kaushik Mehta as vice president, representing the trade, and Philippe Barsamian as vice president representing the diamond bourses. Fischler said, "Antwerp has a unique people infrastructure and a unique pool of talent, in and outside our industry. Together, we must strengthen and promote our common and rich history for the benefit of all. I firmly believe we need to focus on further anchoring our industry in our local society; share the value of our entrepreneurship and global networks with Antwerp, Flanders and our country." AWDC's chief executive, Ari Epstein, added, "Firstly, I sincerely congratulate Mr. Fischler on his election as AWDC president. Mr. Fischler can bow on many years of in-depth experience in the diamond industry and a long record of public service. He is highly respected in and well known for his dedication towards the Antwerp diamond community and beyond. With Mr. Fischler leading the board, I'm confident we will successfully continue our ambitious masterplan projects in the future." Fischler, 54, was born in Antwerp and is a third-generation diamantaire who started working at Fischler Diamonds in 1979. The company was founded in 1953 by Aby and Cappi Fischler, and by the late Bram Fischler, who served as president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, the Antwerp Diamond Bourse and the HRD. Stephane is currently a partner in the company. Over the years he held many executive positions in various industry bodies including: --Vice president of SBD (the Belgian Diamond Manufacturers Association) since 1994, --Vice president of IDMA from 1996 to 1997, --Secretary-general and treasurer of IDMA from 1998 to 2008, --President of WTOCD (the HRD research center) from 1998 to 1999, --Founding member of the World Diamond Council, --HRD treasurer from 2005 till 2008 and --Current chairman of the International Diamond Council.
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