The diamond industry is witnessing new leaders taking on reins of trade bodies. In this vein, the recent appointment of Jim Pounds, Executive Vice President of Dominion Diamond Corporation, as Vice-Chairman of the Diamond Producers Association (DPA), and Jean-Marc Lieberherr as Chief Executive Officer of the association was appreciated by also the newly elected Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) - Shmuel Schnitzer.

Shmuel Schnitzer said, “Both Jim and Jean-Marc have years of experience in the diamond industry and they have demonstrated their leadership abilities in the various posts they have held in the diamond world. Together with Stephen Lussier, who is the new DPA Chairman, they will be a formidable team who will certainly lead the diamond industry forward.”

Schnitzer reiterated his promise to the DPA that IDI and the Israeli Diamond Industry would cooperate with the organization in its efforts to promote diamonds, to the benefit of all sectors of the industry worldwide. Also, he added that he believed in the contribution of the DPA to sparking interest and enhancing consumer confidence in diamonds. “The challenge now is to reinforce the appeal of diamonds among all segments of the market, especially the younger generations.” He further added that among the competition of other luxuries like technology, cars, travel, even accessories, “the diamond has a wonderful story – from its origins in the depths of the earth, through its contribution to the economies of Africa and elsewhere, and its significance as a symbol of everlasting love.”