WatchesJul 18, 2024
TAG Heuer, Hublot Will Have New CEOs SourcingJul 22, 2024
AWDC Names Karen Rentmeesters as CEO
Rentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
Karen Rentmeesters, who joined the Antwerp World Diamond Centre in 2010, will take on the role of CEO.
Antwerp, Belgium—The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has named Karen Rentmeesters as its new CEO.
Rentmeesters had been serving as interim CEO since April, following the resignation of former CEO Ari Epstein.
She started at AWDC in 2010 as its communications officer. She has held various roles at the organization, including serving as head of PR and industry relations for seven years.
As CEO, AWDC said she will be tasked with guiding the organization back to growth and optimizing its operations.
Isidore Mörsel, president of the AWDC board of directors, said “The fact that all board members unanimously agreed to appoint Karen as permanent CEO of the AWDC speaks volumes about the trust we all put in her.”
“She has a solid understanding of our industry and of the challenges our industry is currently facing. She is not afraid to tackle difficult decisions and brings a creative approach to the table, which, combined with her experience, makes her the perfect person for the job,” he said.
Related stories will be right here …
Rentmeesters had been serving as interim CEO since April, following the resignation of former CEO Ari Epstein.
She started at AWDC in 2010 as its communications officer. She has held various roles at the organization, including serving as head of PR and industry relations for seven years.
As CEO, AWDC said she will be tasked with guiding the organization back to growth and optimizing its operations.
Isidore Mörsel, president of the AWDC board of directors, said “The fact that all board members unanimously agreed to appoint Karen as permanent CEO of the AWDC speaks volumes about the trust we all put in her.”
“She has a solid understanding of our industry and of the challenges our industry is currently facing. She is not afraid to tackle difficult decisions and brings a creative approach to the table, which, combined with her experience, makes her the perfect person for the job,” he said.
Rentmeesters shared her excitement on taking the new role and addressed the challenges ahead for AWDC.
“I look forward to continuing the work I started as interim CEO. In the past few months, some key issues have been addressed, but it will take a lot more for Antwerp to return to a growing and flourishing diamond trade hub,” she said.
Her key challenge, she said, is making sure AWDC is an efficient, well-organized, and trusted partner for diamond companies.
“The global diamond industry faces geopolitical challenges and is in a worldwide crisis. As a representative body, it is crucial that we can guide our companies through these turbulent times and offer perspective for the future,” she said.
Rentmeesters earned a master's degree in communication sciences at the University of Leuven.
She has led teams of various sizes throughout her professional life and has built up an extensive network, said AWDC, touting her in-depth knowledge of the diamond industry.
The organization recently announced the results of its board elections, re-electing Isidore Mörsel as president of the board of directors and electing Ravi Bhansali as vice president.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
