The Diamond Producers Association (DPA), announced today the appointment of Kristina Buckley Kayel as Managing Director of its North American division.
Buckley Kayel, who assumes her new role on Feb. 4, 2019, will be responsible for developing and implementing the DPA's consumer marketing and communications strategy, with a focus upon the "Real is Rare. Real is a Diamond." platform, as well as represent the DPA in local trades and organizations within North America. She will report directly to Jean-Marc Lieberherr, the Chief Executive Officer of the DPA. Buckley Kayel will be responsible for developing and implementing the DPA's consumer marketing and communications strategy, with a focus upon the "Real is Rare. Real is a Diamond.
Buckley Kayel's background and experience in strategic marketing, communications and digital leadership roles positions her to spearhead the DPA's mission to restore, protect and promote the integrity and reputation of natural diamonds, especially among the younger U.S. consumer base, which is the largest market globally in terms of diamond demand.
For the last decade, Buckley Kayel led Marketing & Communications for the heritage French high jewelry brand, Van Cleef & Arpels (owned by Compagnie Financi??re Richemont SA) for the Americas. Overseeing media, digital, public relations, special events, strategic partnerships, educational platforms and visual merchandising, Buckley Kayel significantly strengthened the positioning of the French jewelry house in the region during her tenure.
She also served on the executive committee responsible for steering overall corporate strategy. Prior to joining Van Cleef & Arpels, Buckley Kayel worked in ascending marketing and communications positions for global luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Baccarat, and consulted for Bottega Veneta on digital strategy. She holds an MBA from SDA Bocconi and has completed executive programs with a focus on digital business strategy at IMD and Columbia Business School.