Mehul Shah, vice president of Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), was elected new president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) during the Presidents’ Meeting of the organisation that took place at the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore.
The election, which was held on Monday, featured two other contestants - Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), and Lin Qiang, president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE).
The outgoing WFDB president Yoram Dvash stepped down after completing the maximum two three-year terms.
"I am humbled by this appointment and proud to have represented India and Bharat Diamond Bourse on an international stage. This new responsibility given to me is rooted in my journey of four decades of commitment to the natural diamond industry," Shah said.
"As the delegates to the Congress deliberate over the way forward in a challenging global market, I am confident that the discussions in Singapore will lead to meaningful outcomes. The new leadership team at WFDB is committed to taking forward the vision of the Congress and building a stronger future for the industry."
WFDB also elected Luigi Cosma, president of the Borsa Diamanti d’Italia, as vice president and Molefi Letsiki, chairman of the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa, as treasurer.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
