SPOTLIGHT 市场聚焦 26 | JNA March/April 2024 Mastering change management 游刃自如的管理大师 Third-generation diamantaire Smit Virani has been ushering in a sea change at KARP Jewellery, combining his family’s legacy in the diamond industry with his experience in change management and business process management to transform the company into a progressive and forward-thinking player in the traditionally conservative diamond/jewellery sector. Under his leadership as CEO, the diamond manufacturer and jeweller is challenging the status quo and adopting modern technologies and digital platforms to enhance its operations and reach a wider customer base. Smit said, “We realised the diamond/jewellery industry was evolving and traditional approaches were no longer sufficient to stay competitive. Recognising the need for change, we conducted an in-depth analysis of market trends, consumer demands and emerging technologies. This analysis highlighted the importance of embracing innovation and adopting sustainable practices.” Growth momentum According to Smit, the post-pandemic business landscape demands a fresh set of approaches to effectively navigate the ever-evolving conditions. For starters, digital transformation is crucial, he noted. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology across industries, and businesses must leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement and remote collaboration. Smit cites the successful development and implementation of an innovative customer relationship management (CRM) system among his foremost accomplishments. Moreover, e-commerce platforms and digital marketing enable jewellery companies to effectively showcase their products, engage with potential customers and offer personalised shopping experiences. Smit remarked, “Investing in online platforms that provide detailed information about diamond origins, certifications and ethical practices will empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.” Sustainability is another priority – the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices is pivotal to its long-term business success, shared Smit. KARP Jewellery is also investing in research and development to create sustainable and ethically sourced diamonds, thereby catering to the growing demand for responsible products. Smit said, “By educating consumers about the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds, which include supporting local economies and communities, the industry can create a stronger demand for responsibly mined diamonds.” Team empowerment Placing a premium on employee well-being and work-life balance, Smit actively invests in talent development and training programmes to nurture a skilled workforce that can adapt to the changing industry landscape. His management style centres on fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where open communication and teamwork are valued – a clear shift from traditional hierarchical structures to a more participative and decentralised decision-making process. “I believe in empowering my team members to take ownership of their work and providing them with the necessary resources and support to excel. Additionally, I prioritise a results-oriented approach, focusing on setting clear goals and objectives while encouraging innovation and creativity,” he disclosed. Bringing about transformative changes was not without its challenges. Smit initially faced resistance from stakeholders who balked at altering established practices. | Olivia Quiniquini 程爱莉 | Smit Virani, CEO, KARP Jewellery KARP Jewellery首席执行官Smit Virani Smit Virani: KARP Jewellery CEO Smit Virani is future-proofing the jewellery manufacturing giant by embracing innovation, technology and collaborative leadership to elevate the company to new heights. 珠宝巨头KARP Jewellery的首席执行官Smit Virani以拥抱创新 、 提升技术和推行协作领导模式，致力令企业再创高峰。
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjAxOTU=