Huw Daniel appointed PGI’s Global CEO

After serving as the President of PGI USA, Huw Daniel will now take on a new role at PGI, as its Global CEO. His appointment was announced by the Platinum Jewellery Development Association (PJDA), which represents the major platinum producers (Anglo Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin) and sponsor the PGI.

Daniel succeeds long serving CEO James Courage who will retire at the end of April. While his appointment is immediate, Daniel will take on full responsibility from April 1, 2015.

Also, PGI is heading for a change in office, relocating its head office from London to Hong Kong, and expects it to be fully operational by the summer. The move reflects the growing importance of platinum demand in Asia, thereby brining PGI’s head office closer to two main markets of China and Japan and the fast growing Indian market, which together represent 85 percent of total consumer jewellery demand, and are also important platinum jewellery manufacturing centres.

Huw will also cover the USA which remains a key global market for PGI.

Andrew Hinkly, Executive Head Platinum Marketing at Anglo Platinum, representing the three sponsors added: “The Platinum Guild’s move to Hong Kong and the appointment of Huw Daniel recognises the importance of platinum jewellery in Asia, along with continuity of leadership from within the PGI. Jewellery represents over a third of total platinum demand and we, as the main producers, recognise the importance of continuing to invest substantially in its future development and to work even more closely with leading retailers and manufacturers in the four PGI markets.”

Daniel said, “It’s an honour to be invited to build on James’ outstanding legacy, and so exciting to return to Asia at a time when platinum is being embraced by new generations of consumers.” Daniel will establish a new Head Office team. COO Nicholas Graham Smith who elected not to apply for the CEO role will work closely with Daniel through the transition period in addition to the other members of the Head Office team.

Following Daniel’s move, Jenny Luker will become President of PGI USA effective February 2, 2015. Luker has worked with PGI USA for 20 years across every function and has served as Senior Vice President since 2005.