(IDEX Online) - The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the industry organization representing the interests of 1,600 diamond companies in Antwerp, has appointed Nishit (Bali) Parikh as its new President, replacing outgoing President St?(C)phane Fischler.
The Board of Directors also appointed Freddy Inzlicht and Samir Mehta as Vice-Presidents, respectively representing the bourses and the trade.
St?(C)phane Fischler has been at the helm of the AWDC for the past 11 years, serving first as its Vice President and then, since 2012, as its President. "His commitment to the organization has been unwavering, and he has been a major part of its success as the leading trade organization in the diamond industry. After more than five years as President, Fischler will now hand the torch back to Nishit (Bali) Parikh, former AWDC President (2010-2012) and CEO of Diarough.
Due to his recent election as President of the World Diamond Council, an organization of which he is a founding member, he believes the time has come to hand over the reins.
"On behalf of the AWDC, its Board of Directors and management, I would like to thank St?(C)phane for his leadership at AWDC and his dedication to the Antwerp diamond trade", said AWDC CEO Ari Epstein. "His steadfast commitment to safeguarding the sustainability of the diamond industry as a whole, and in particular the Antwerp trade, its manufacturing infrastructure and its participants both large and small, has contributed in maintaining Antwerp's leading position. He leaves a strong legacy for the AWDC."
Welcoming Nishit Parikh as the new President of AWDC, Epstein commented, "Continuity, stability and a formidable personality are all essential elements in the diamond trade, and Bali (Parikh) embodies all these qualities. We are very pleased to welcome him back as President of the AWDC, and have every confidence he will be a strong leader in the important years ahead, backed by the support of the incoming Vice Presidents and Board veterans Freddy Inzlicht and Samir Mehta."