Antwerp, [Date]: Ari Epstein, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), is set to resign from his position next Tuesday, according to an announcement made by the AWDC. The specific reasons behind Epstein’s departure and the timeline for the appointment of his successor have not been disclosed.
Isidore Mörsel, president of the AWDC, commended Epstein for his substantial contributions during his tenure, highlighting his visionary leadership that propelled the organization to unprecedented growth and innovation. Mörsel credited Epstein with solidifying the AWDC’s position as a global leader in the diamond industry.
The AWDC has faced scrutiny in recent months, particularly in light of the imposition of sanctions by the Group of Seven (G7) on Russian diamonds. The resulting European Union import ban on polished diamonds originating from Russian rough has led to significant delays at Antwerp’s Diamond Office, the city’s customs center. In response, 146 Belgian companies have filed complaints with the AWDC.
Additionally, concerns have been raised within the industry regarding proposals that would require all rough diamonds to pass through Antwerp for the sale of polished diamonds within the G7.
The AWDC, representing Antwerp’s diamond trade, has experienced several changes in leadership over the past two years. Mörsel took over the presidency from David Gotlib in October, just over a year after Gotlib succeeded Chaim Pluczenik.
