DPA Chief Lieberherr Steps Down

RAPAPORT... Jean-Marc Lieberherr has resigned as CEO of the DiamondProducers Association (DPA), an organization he has led since its formation in2015. Lieberherr became the DPA's first chairman in December 2015,before taking on the role of CEO in February 2016. He will be succeeded by David Kellie, amarketing executive who has worked for Watches of Switzerland and Ralph Lauren. "We are very pleased to have someone of David's caliber totake over as DPA CEO, especially given the organization's key marketing role,"DPA and Forevermark chairman Stephen Lussier said last week. "David bringsextensive experience to the DPA, having led traditional and digital marketingprograms across the major global markets. He is extremely well equipped to leadour marketing teams as we seek to inspire ever more consumers of all agesacross the world with the 'diamond dream.'" Kellie will take on his position in December, whileLieberherr will leave when his contract period ends on December 31. The DPA was formed in 2015 by seven diamond companies,including Alrosa, De Beers and Rio Tinto, to enhance consumer demand for, andconfidence in, diamonds. It acts as a source of information about the diamondindustry, and produces marketing content for the trade. "This is an emotional moment for me after four years ofassociation with the DPA, but I am proud of what has been achieved since theDPA was created," Lieberherr said. "The DPA now has strong teams and foundationsin place to capture the opportunities that lie ahead, and it is time for a newleader to take the organization through its next phase of development." Image: Jean-Marc Lieberherr. (Diamond Producers Association)