The World Diamond Council (WDC) has appointed Ronnie VanderLinden as its new President and diamantaire Anoop Mehta, Convenor – Diamond Panel, GJEPC, as Vice President.
Speaking at the WDC Annual General Meeting held on 7th May 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium, VanderLinden said the global natural diamond industry must unite behind a clear and consistent narrative at a time of weaker demand, growing competition, and fragmented messaging. He succeeds Feriel Zerouki, who was named Honorary WDC President during the AGM.
“We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds,” VanderLinden said, stressing that the WDC’s role is to help build confidence in natural diamonds and support the trade globally.
VanderLinden emphasised that the industry needs to clearly communicate the value proposition of natural diamonds, particularly their contribution to producing nations and communities. According to him, provenance, responsible sourcing, and the positive socio-economic impact of diamond mining will remain central to the industry’s messaging strategy.
He also reaffirmed the importance of the Kimberley Process (KP) in safeguarding consumer confidence. VanderLinden said the WDC would continue efforts to update the definition of conflict diamonds so that it “reflects the reality of today’s risks and strengthens confidence in natural diamonds.”
“We now must finish the job,” he said, referring to the work initiated under Zerouki’s leadership to modernise the KP framework.
Joining VanderLinden in the WDC leadership team is newly appointed Vice President Anoop Mehta, whom he described as “a pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade.”
The AGM also saw David Bonaparte elected as Treasurer, while Udi Sheintal was re-elected as Secretary.
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