Rio Tinto Diamonds opened a New York office to represent the mining giant in the world’s largest retail diamond jewellery market.

Rebecca Foerster has been appointed to manage the New York office and brings a wealth of experience to her role, with strong knowledge of the jewellery market and proven merchandising, marketing and brand management skills from some 20 years in cosmetics and global branding industry.

Before joining Rio Tinto Diamonds, Foerster vice president of marketing for Frederick Goldman, one of the largest manufacturers of bridal jewellery in the states, supplying diversified product lines to independent jewellers and major accounts.

Jean-Marc Lieberherr, general manager of marketing for Rio Tinto Diamonds, said, “Rebecca Foerster brings with her an in-depth understanding of marketing in the US jewellery business as well as exceptional product development and analytical expertise. This strategic appointment demonstrates our commitment to growing our US presence. For a sales and marketing led company like ours, Rebecca’s appointment and the opening of our US office will be invaluable in continuing to build the success for the business and drive competitive advantage for our Select Diamantaires™ and Rio Tinto Diamonds.”

As many of Rio Tinto Diamonds' Select Diamantaires™ are actively developing their diamond jewellery business in this market, Foerster said she was looking forward being involved at this stage.

Rio Tinto Diamonds is the sales and marketing division representing the diamond mines of the Rio Tinto Group, one of the world’s leading mining companies. Rio Tinto’s diamond mining and marketing interests include the Argyle Diamond mine in Australia, the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada and the Murowa Diamond Mine in Zimbabwe. All of Rio Tinto Diamonds rough production is sold through one of a distinguished group of customers, known as Select Diamantaires™.