The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has reelected Isadore Mörsel as president of its board, following his initial term. Mörsel, CEO of Dali Diamond Company, was appointed in October to succeed David Gotlib, who resigned in September. The board elections, held two weeks ago and announced on Friday, have confirmed Mörsel for another two-year term.
“The global diamond industry is undergoing significant transformation, presenting challenges ahead for Antwerp,” Mörsel remarked. “We’ve achieved important milestones, such as the regularization of ‘grandfathered goods’ and the extension of the ‘sunrise period,’ paving the way for a mandatory full-traceability scheme for rough and polished natural diamonds. This decision reflects a deep understanding of our industry’s daily operations, ensuring the smooth flow of non-sanctioned goods.”
Simultaneously, Ravi Bhansali, managing director of Rosy Blue, a diamond trading and manufacturing company, has been appointed as vice president, succeeding Sahag Arslanian. Bhansali, representing the younger generation of diamantaires assuming leadership roles in Antwerp, joins the board for the first time.
“Over recent weeks and months, Mörsel has shown unwavering dedication to the Antwerp diamond industry and the challenges we currently face,” commented Karen Rentmeesters, interim CEO of AWDC. “The collective expertise and determination of the president, vice president, and the entire AWDC board are pivotal in steering Antwerp’s diamond industry toward growth.”
