Dave Meleski, President and CEO of Richline Group, has been elected as the new chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), succeeding David Bouffard of Signet Jewelers. Bouffard, who has served as chair since 2018, will be stepping down from both his positions at RJC and Signet in April, concluding his two consecutive three-year terms.
Both Signet and Richline were pivotal in the establishment of the RJC and have been integral members since its inception. Meleski expressed gratitude for Bouffard’s leadership over the past six years and affirmed his commitment to furthering the RJC’s mission during his tenure as chair. He emphasized the importance of the RJC in setting industry standards globally and highlighted Richline’s longstanding advocacy for compliance since the organization’s establishment.
Reflecting on his tenure, Bouffard remarked on the honor of representing Signet and the challenges and rewards of serving as RJC chair. He acknowledged the significant growth of the RJC over the past two decades, from its modest beginnings with 14 founding members to its current membership exceeding 1,800 companies.
Melanie Grant, Executive Director of the RJC, expressed gratitude to Bouffard for his guidance during her initial year in her role and anticipated a new chapter under Meleski’s leadership. Grant will report directly to Meleski, while Edward Asscher will continue in his role as vice chair of the RJC.
The transition marks a pivotal moment for the RJC as it continues to evolve and strengthen its position as a leading advocate for responsible practices within the jewelry industry.
