The board of directors of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) appointed Karen Rentmeesters an interim CEO of the organization after Ari Epstein stepped down from the position today.
Rentmeesters, who is currently the Chief Officer PR & Industry Relations at AWDC, has been working at the organization for 15 years and has a profound knowledge of it. In the coming period, Karen will focus on carrying out ongoing business and appointing a new, permanent CEO for AWDC.
"To fill the position of ad interim CEO, we deliberately chose someone with extensive experience in and knowledge of the diamond industry, a large network, and the necessary expertise," said AWDC president Isidor Mörsel.
"We are confident that Karen will take on this role with great enthusiasm and that, while waiting for a permanent CEO, she will flawlessly guide AWDC through its ongoing dossiers."
"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. This is in anticipation of the arrival of a new, permanent CEO. 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," Rentmeesters said.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
