The Board of Directors of HRD Antwerp, a subsidiary of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), has appointed Paul De Wachter as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026.
De Wachter brings more than two decades of experience in the international diamond and financial services sectors. In his new role, he will be responsible for guiding HRD Antwerp through a period of organizational transformation while reinforcing its engagement with the global diamond trade.
He began his career in the diamond sector in 2002 and later became Senior Relationship Manager at the Antwerp Diamond Bank. After a short tenure at Channel Capital Advisors, De Wachter joined the National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), where he has worked for over seven years.
At NBF, he initially served as Head of the Antwerp Representative Office, focusing on developing a local client portfolio. Since 2020, he has led the bank’s Diamond Unit, where he worked on expanding the unit’s operations and market presence.
“With his extensive experience in the international diamond industry, his strong and relevant network, and the concrete results he has achieved as Head of the Diamond Unit at NBF, Paul convinced the Board that he is the right person to lead HRD Antwerp into the future,” said Bart De Hantsetters, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Commenting on his appointment, De Wachter said, “I am very much looking forward to taking on this new challenge at HRD Antwerp, especially at a time when the international diamond industry is facing major challenges.”
HRD Antwerp entered the Indian market in 2012 with the opening of a diamond grading laboratory in Mumbai, followed by the launch of jewellery certification services in 2018. HRD India is headquartered in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and operates additional labs and drop-off points across key jewellery hubs.
