WDC announces Mr. Andrey Polyakov as President

Mr. Andrey Polyakov succeeds Mr. Edward Asscher
Mr. Andrey Polyakov
Mr. Andrey Polyakov

The World Diamond Council (WDC) announced that Mr. Andrey Polyakov who served as Vice President of the WDC since 2015 has assumed the elected position of President of the WDC, succeeding Mr. Edward Asscher.

Mr. Edward Asscher’s two-year term as President concluded on May 22, 2016.

Mr. Polyakov said, “I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors and the membership of the WDC, on behalf of our great industry, through the WDC’s critical role of representing the industry at the Kimberley Process. I am confident that joint efforts and a willingness to dialogue among all parties will enable us to achieve success in strengthening our industry’s reputation.”

The WDC members represent the entire international diamond industry supply chain, from mining through retail. The group represents the diamond industry in the development and implementation of regulatory and voluntary systems developed by the United Nations and the Kimberley Process to eradicate the trade of conflict diamonds. The WDC represents the diamond industry at the UN-mandated Kimberley Process forum.

As the most senior executive officer of the WDC, Mr. Polyakov’s role will involve furthering the mission of the organization and protecting the integrity and reputation of the Kimberley Process. Mr. Polyakov added, “The diamond’s value and worth is measured in its symbolism. It invokes a sense of permanence, obligation, passion and loyalty. These are the same values that we as Council members bring to the task at hand and I look forward to upholding the integrity of these values as the steward for positive change during my term as President.”

Mr. Polyakov has earned a well-respected reputation from his 12-year tenure at Alrosa, and also acted as one of the initiators of the creation of the Diamond Producers Association (DPA), and is now a founding member of the DPA Board.

“Much was accomplished these past two years, including the passing of the first Strategic Plan in the history of the WDC,” stated Mr. Asscher. “I’m sure I speak for the full Board of Directors of the WDC when I say that we look forward to Andrey’s leadership and continuation of the progress made within the WDC and its enhanced engagement with the KP. Personally, I am looking forward to devoting all my time again to our 162-year-old family company, Royal Asscher Diamond Company, in Amsterdam.” Mr. Polyakov thanked Mr. Asscher and appreciated his efforts in the development of the industry. He added that, “Under Edward’s leadership, the WDC made huge progress in enhancing and improving its role in supporting and developing the KP”.


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