SourcingApr 09, 2024
Former De Beers Exec Appointed to Lucapa Board SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDC
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Karen Rentmeesters has been appointed interim CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre following Ari Epstein’s resignation last week. Rentmeesters is the center’s head of communications. She has been with AWDC for 14 years.
Antwerp—Karen Rentmeesters, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre’s head of PR and industry relations, has taken over as the organization’s interim CEO.
The organization announced the appointment Monday, just a few days after Ari Epstein said he was resigning after more than a decade in the position.
Rentmeesters joined AWDC’s public relations and communications department in February 2010, focusing on establishing and maintaining relationships with local and international industry stakeholders, serving the Antwerp diamond community, and promoting the Belgian city as a trading hub.
Throughout her time with AWDC, she has led teams of various sizes, built an extensive network, and garnered in-depth knowledge about the industry, the organization said.
Rentmeesters graduated from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in 2002 with a master’s in communication sciences.
AWDC said Rentmeesters will focus on continuing the center’s daily operations while also searching for a permanent CEO.
She said, “In the coming period, together with the entire management team, I will do everything in my power to continue Ari Epstein’s good work while providing the necessary peace of mind.
“The entire diamond industry is in the midst of a period of transformation towards greater transparency and faces challenging times. As a sector federation representing the interests of the Antwerp diamond companies, it is important that we guide them through this period and offer them stability. I will be fully committed to that.”
Related stories will be right here …
The organization announced the appointment Monday, just a few days after Ari Epstein said he was resigning after more than a decade in the position.
Rentmeesters joined AWDC’s public relations and communications department in February 2010, focusing on establishing and maintaining relationships with local and international industry stakeholders, serving the Antwerp diamond community, and promoting the Belgian city as a trading hub.
Throughout her time with AWDC, she has led teams of various sizes, built an extensive network, and garnered in-depth knowledge about the industry, the organization said.
Rentmeesters graduated from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in 2002 with a master’s in communication sciences.
AWDC said Rentmeesters will focus on continuing the center’s daily operations while also searching for a permanent CEO.
She said, “In the coming period, together with the entire management team, I will do everything in my power to continue Ari Epstein’s good work while providing the necessary peace of mind.
“The entire diamond industry is in the midst of a period of transformation towards greater transparency and faces challenging times. As a sector federation representing the interests of the Antwerp diamond companies, it is important that we guide them through this period and offer them stability. I will be fully committed to that.”
Before quitting last week, Epstein had been with AWDC for a total of 19 years, 13 of them as CEO.
Though AWDC gave no reason for Epstein’s resignation, it comes amid a time of tumult for the diamond industry and for Antwerp as a trading hub.
Following the G7 nations’ ban on importing diamonds mined in Russia, numerous industry groups and leaders have spoken out against the EU’s plan to establish Antwerp as the “rough node” through which all rough diamonds must pass to certify they are not of Russian origin.
The Antwerp diamond industry also has been grappling with significant delays in importing diamonds because of the G7 ban, which went into effect March 1.
Shortly after the ban took effect, a group of more than 100 Antwerp diamond businesses sent a letter to AWDC complaining about the delays, which, they said, were costing them money and causing them to lose business.
Antwerp later hired additional staff for its Diamond Office, which it said was helping to move goods through in a timely manner.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
