Industry expert Isidore Mörsel has once again been named board president of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC).

Mörsel, currently CEO of Dali Diamond Co, an established, third-generation diamond company known for its vertically integrated operations, was earlier elected president of the AWDC board in 2023.

He took over the helm from David Gotlib who stepped down in September last year.

Meanwhile, first-time AWDC board member Ravi Bhansali of major diamond manufacturer Rosy Blue will sit as new vice president of the board. Bhansali symbolises a young generation of diamantaires who are taking over leadership positions in Antwerp’s diamond companies, noted AWDC.

"They both embark on this assignment with a lot of enthusiasm, while also being aware of the important transformation that the diamond industry is in the midst of and the big challenges ahead for the diamond industry, including for Antwerp," AWDC remarked.

According to AWDC, Mörsel and Bhansali are rallying for the establishment of multiple rough diamond verification nodes, including in diamond-producing countries, which play a pivotal role in ensuring ethical and sustainable trade standards. The message is addressed primarily to decision-makers within the Group of Seven nations. 

“This approach is both feasible and fair, promoting unity and shared responsibility among all stakeholders. This concept will enable and empower the timely and effective integration of major African producing and polishing countries into this new global reality,” the officials were quoted as saying.