Erez Akerman, current president of the Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) is going to step down from his role held since 2008 when the bourse was founded, next month on October 30. He will immediately take on the position of managing director of the World Jewelry Hub (WJH) and also managing his own company at PDE, Akerman Diamonds. The PDE is Latin America's only WFDB-recognized diamond bourse.

Mr. Akerman led the organization through its early development, during which it was accepted as a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, through to the establishment of its current facility in the Phase I building of the World Jewelry Hub, in the Santa Maria Business District in Panama City.

In his new role as WJH managing director, Mr. Akerman will focus on Phase II of the World Jewelry Hub, which involves the construction of a multi-story office tower and business center, in Latin America's only dedicated gemstone and jewelry trading hub.

A President of the PDE to take over the role on November 1, is expected to be selected in the weeks ahead.