Former De Beers Exec Named EVP of CIBJO

Milan—CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, announced the appointment of Jonathan Kendall as its executive vice president Tuesday.

The former De Beers executive was nominated by CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and approved by the CIBJO Board of Directors.

“He will be a trusted advisor on all issues, but in particular will play an instrumental role in plotting a course for the 21st century, helping us develop solutions for a business environment and a marketplace that are more digital, interconnected, and socially and environmentally conscious,” said Cavalieri in a press release about the appointment.

Kendall, previously the head of De Beers Group Industry Services and head of Forevermark Operations, retired at the end of 2020 after nearly 20 years with the company.

At De Beers, Kendall helped to create the company’s Best Practice Principles.

“As an industry, we have much to achieve in the coming decade to maintain consumer demand,” said Kendall, noting that the jewelry industry must continue to represent creativity and beauty while also emphasizing sustainability.

“My personal goal will be to help CIBJO provide the industry with the knowledge and tools to win the hearts and minds of the next generation.”

A longtime active member of CIBJO, Kendall serves as the president of the group’s Marketing and Education Commission, and has compiled a series of guides on responsible business practices.

He established CIBJO’s Jewellery Industry’s Greenhouse Gas Measurement Initiative in 2014 as a way to assist the jewelry and gemstone industries in reducing their environmental impact.

Kendall also assisted in the creation of CIBJO’s Retailer’s Reference Guide. 

The second edition of the guide will be released shortly.