Melanie Grant has stepped down as executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), effective January 31, 2025, after two years in the job. 

She stays on as a consultant to support John Hall who becomes interim executive director while the RJC recruits for the position. Hall has been with RJC since its inception in 2005.

“After a wonderful two years at the RJC working with the team, welcoming members from new countries, completing a huge amount of consultation on the new standards and finalising the new Lab Grown Material standard, it is time for me to hand the baton to someone new who will take the RJC into its next era. We will celebrate our 20^th anniversary this year and we have hit 2,000 members. I have learned so much from doing this role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important industry institution,” said Grant. 

RJC President and CEO Dave Meleski thanked Grant for her accomplishments at the organisation, noting that she transformed it positively. “The ability for transition is greatly enhanced by both what she has done with the RJC, but also her willingness to help in transitioning to a new executive director,” he said.

Grant joined RJC in January 2023, bringing with her over 20 years’ experience as a journalist and curator. Her predecessor, Iris van der Veken, left the organisation in March 2022 and is currently executive director and secretary general of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, co-founded by Kering and Cartier.