Eli Izhakoff concludes term as WDC president on June 30, 2013

After 13 consecutive years at the head of the diamond and jewelry organization, Eli Izhakoff has announced that he will conclude his term as President of the World Diamond Council on June 30, 2013.

Mr. Izhakoff’s decision was not sudden and was entirely personal. He had informed the WDC Board of Directors about his intention at the WDC Annual Meeting in Vicenza, Italy, already in May of last year, and had said then that he would allow ample time for a successor to be elected and a smooth transition to take place.

“It has been an often challenging, but always inspiring period of my career,” said Mr. Izhakoff, “and one of which I am immensely proud. The World Diamond Council, which was created in response to one of the gravest crises to face our industry, not only was instrumental in creating the system that blocked the flow of conflict diamonds into the legitimate trade, but it also changed the way in which we see our role as a business community in a greater society.”

Mr. Izhakoff said that he plans to remain involved in the life of the diamond and jewelry industries, and will continue to support the mission and principles of the World Diamond Council.
Ari Epstein: “I want to explicitly thank Eli Izhakoff for many years of deep commitment, and especially for the wise decisions and effort he invested over the past few years. The WDC wouldn’t be the institute it is today without his skillful leadership. I dare say it will be a tough job for his successor to fill his shoes.”