In ‘The Faces of the Industry,’ a monthly recurring item in our newsletter, we bring one industry name to the spotlight. This person has been nominated by the previous ‘Face of the Industry’ and will appoint the one for the next edition of the Antwerp Diamond Digest.
This time, we had the pleasure of interviewing Yves Warin, CSR Manager at Brinks Global Services Antwerp, the global leader in secure logistics transportation. He has been working in the Antwerp diamond industry for 33 years at this point.
Hi Yves! Thank you for making time for this interview. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how you got here, what your job entails, and the company you work for?
Yves Warin: I’ve been working at Brinks since March 1992. That’s over 33 years now. I actually got into this business through my brother-in-law, who was also active in the diamond industry, but he was more into the cutting and polishing of natural diamonds. In 1992, he was working for a company called Express Diamond Services, founded by Guy Weissberg. Weissberg saw a gap in the market when it came to shipping diamonds, as there was no established solution for it back then. That’s when I started to work for that company. Initially, my role involved daily trips to the airport, handling all the customs formalities manually to ensure goods from around the world could be transported to the Diamond Office in Antwerp. In 1998, Express Diamond Services was acquired by Brinks inc., an American company listed on the stock exchange. Brinks had been founded in 1859 in Chicago. Back in those days, they transported valuables by horse and cart! Today, Brinks operates in over eighty countries with a massive network of around 60,000 to 70,000 employees globally. Our office in Antwerp is a small part of that, specifically Brinks Global Services, which focuses on international transport and logistics of valuable goods. Brinks also handles other services, mostly in the United States, such as: cash transportation, ATM management, Compusafe and home security. In Antwerp, we specialize in transporting diamonds, jewelry, and gold. We provide door-to-door solutions for our customers. They hand over a package to us, we seal it, arrange the customs formalities for them, and ship it to the destination country. That sealed package will be under full Brinks liability, meaning that if the sealed package gets lost, Brinks will reimburse the declared value as per BGS contract to the contracting party. This Brinks liability and reliability is one of Brinks’ greatest strengths. As an example, in February 2013, there was a major robbery at Zaventem airport. Goods worth millions were stolen, but Brinks compensated clients within 24 to 48 hours because of the door-to-door contracts they had opted for. That quick and guaranteed reimbursement, combined with our financial stability and global network, sets us apart in the market.
As for my role in the company, I wear many hats. I am responsible for import, export and customer services, and also ensure compliance with Customs legislation. Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of experience and built strong relationships within the industry. Our Antwerp office is relatively small, with just 13 employees now—though we had more in the past. To stay efficient, everyone here is multi-functional. That’s something I strongly advocate for: understanding the bigger picture so our team can provide accurate answers to clients without needing to escalate queries. This efficiency also distinguishes us from our competitors. I often compare this job to a puzzle. I started putting it together in 1992, and even now, I’m still finding new pieces. It keeps things interesting and challenging.
Do you also handle trade shows?
Warin: Absolutely! I’ve attended trade shows in places like Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Switzerland, among others. At these events, we provide support to our local offices and assist our clients.
For example, at the Hong Kong show, goods arrive from all over the world. Local offices don’t always have the manpower to handle the logistics of these events, so we step in to represent our clients. We take care of deliveries, pickups, and communication, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
What’s your favorite business trip destination?
Warin: That’s a tough one! I’ve been to Hong Kong a few times, and I found it fascinating—it’s like the New York of Asia. Las Vegas was also interesting to see, though not a place I’d go for a vacation. It’s more like Dubai in that sense—very artificial, but worth experiencing at least once.
For culture and food, I’d choose Hong Kong. It’s rich in Asian traditions, and the cuisine is amazing. However, for weather, I prefer Las Vegas. The dry heat there feels like someone’s blowing a hairdryer on you, while Hong Kong’s humidity can be overwhelming. Working in such heat isn’t ideal—you step outside, and you’re instantly drenched in sweat!
Why is Antwerp such a strong diamond hub in your view?
Warin: Things have changed due to factors like the war in Russia and G7 regulations. These measures have imposed unnecessary administrative burdens, fines, and complications, pushing many businesses to relocate to places like Dubai.
The diamond industry in Antwerp has always been under scrutiny, and these new rules make it even harder for traders. While the intentions behind these measures are valid, their execution has backfired. Russia, for example, continues to trade rough diamonds, just not through Antwerp anymore. They’ve redirected their business to Dubai, India and China.
That said, Antwerp still has strengths, like its central location in Europe and its reputation for traceability and authenticity. Larger luxury brands like Tiffany’s and Chanel for example, prioritize these aspects, which keeps Antwerp relevant. On top of that, the livability in Antwerp is much better than in certain other diamond hubs which is a major asset for all diamond trading families from all over the world who have settled here.
What’s your wish for the diamond sector in 2025?
Warin: My only wish is for the industry to recover and pick up again. Personally, I live by two mottos: carpe diem (seize the day) and tene quod bene (keep what is good). I hope we can restore confidence in the sector and its products.
Outside the diamond district, what’s your favorite place in Antwerp?
Warin: That’s hard to say—there’s so much to love about Antwerp! I really enjoy the charm of the markets at Theaterplein on weekends. They’re unique and add a lot of character to the city. Antwerp also has great museums and restaurants. If you’re looking for traditional Flemish dishes, I’d recommend De Arme Duvel.
Finally, who would you nominate for the next interview?
Warin: I’ve given it some thoughts, and I’d like to nominate Rob Van Beurden. He’s known as "Robert den expert" from Diamond House Jewellery. He’s been in the industry even longer than I have and is incredibly knowledgeable. He’s also a great friend and well-known for giving honest appraisals.
