Royal Asscher President Retires After 50 Years

RAPAPORT... Edward Asscher has retired as president of Royal Asscher, marking his 50th anniversary with the family-run jeweler. His daughter, Lita Asscher and son, Mike Asscher, will take his place as copresidents of the company.The fifth generation of his family to work at the company, Asscher joined the business in 1970, apprenticing with his father and uncle. In 1980 he became president, and over the course of his leadership, expanded the company internationally, Royal Asscher said Monday.Asscher has also served as president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), the International Diamond Council (IDC), and the World Diamond Council (WDC). He will begin a second two-year term as head of the WDC in June. From 2007 to 2011, he was a senator for the Liberal Party in the Dutch parliament."Fifty years in the family business made it an extraordinary journey," Asscher said. "It was a pleasure and an honor to work with three generations of Asschers: my father, my late brother Joop and two of my three children. Our industry has had its challenges in many aspects, but ethical standards, transparency, innovation and professionalism have become the norm and will keep the industry as beautiful as the product itself. I now leave, with full confidence that the future of Royal Asscher is in the able hands of the next generation!"Image: Edward Asscher. (Royal Asscher)