Vikram Merchant is recently appointed at Rio Tinto Diamonds NV, to occupy office as manager. Merchant will operate out of the company’s Mumbai office, and has already begun his tenure from July 14, 2008. This appointment is being looked upon as an effort, which would strengthen the business ties between India and Rio Tinto.

The company is the sales and marketing leg of the Rio Tinto Group. Merchant holds an experience as business development manager of the Hindustan Diamond Company, a joint venture between De Beers and the Government of India. His 25 years of experience spans across Mumbai, London and Antwerp.

Rio Tinto has a large share of its diamond processing performed in India. Last year, it produced around $1billion of roughs from its three main mines – Argyle, Diavik and Murowa, 50 percent of which was processed in India. Rio Tinto Diamonds NV is the sales and marketing leg of the Rio Tinto Group.