Policies & Issues

Brad Brooks-Rubin Joins RJC as North American Lead

Policies & IssuesSep 30, 2021

Brad Brooks-Rubin Joins RJC as North American Lead

He was the former special advisor for conflict diamonds at the U.S. State Department.

London—The Responsible Jewellery Council has tapped Brad Brooks-Rubin, the former special advisor for conflict diamonds at the U.S. State Department, to be its lead in Washington, D.C. 

With the official title of strategic advisor and North American engagement lead, he will be responsible for advancing policy and deepening connections among international policymakers, NGOs, and RJC member companies. 

In a press release announcing his appointment, Brooks-Rubin said he is “thrilled” to join RJC at what he sees as a critical time for the jewelry and watch supply chain.

“Urgent issues related to climate, human and labor rights, gender/racial equity, and sustainable development face the industry—and planet,” he said. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to build on my years of experience connected to the industry and engage with policymakers in Washington to bring the industry’s efforts forward.

“I also look forward to working closely with current and future members to ensure they have the support they need to implement the RJC Code of Practices standard.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

He will be based in D.C. and continue in his current role as senior advisor at The Sentry. Co-founded by George Clooney and John Prendergast, The Sentry is an investigative and policy team that seeks to shut war profiteers out of the international financial system.

Previously, in addition to his role at the State Department, Brooks-Rubin worked as director of global development and beneficiation at GIA and as an attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 

He won the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s Stanley Schechter Award in 2014 and is a published author.

Brooks-Rubin holds a law degree from Georgetown and a bachelor’s from Washington University in St. Louis. 

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