Upcoming AWDC Elections: First Time Candidates with New Energies

Date: 11 June, 2024 | By Erez Jacob Rivlin

​Next week, on the 17th and 18th of June, AWDC, the Antwerp World Diamond Center, will hold its elections for the directors, who represent the private sector on its board of directors. AWDC is a public-private partnership, that oversees the Belgian diamond sector operations through a joint management of both, the Belgian authorities and the diamond private companies. AWDC is the official representative body for the Antwerp diamond industry with the Belgian local and federal authorities as well as with the European and other international authorities.

Chirag Shah of Yashvi Diamonds BV who is a first-time candidate, shared with us his vision: “These are indeed challenging times for the world diamond industry and to the Antwerp diamond center, in particular. I am running as a candidate for the first time, as I realize that it is time for action. I am certain that I could contribute a lot to AWDC operations with my international experience, diamond industry know-how, and the strong contact that I have with the Antwerp diamond community.”

When asked about the concrete challenges that he is going to address if elected, Mr. Shah answered with a clear ready strategy: “We, as diamantaires, must take action to restore and improve our industry’s reputation. We must create a friendly and transparent working environment, support financial services, and help create easier access to work permits and visas. If I am elected, I will help to rebuild the AWDC management that will ensure that resources are directed towards the right priorities.

Mr. Ravi Shah, Rosy Blue’s managing director, is another prominent figure in the Antwerp diamond district, who is also running for the first time for the AWDC board. Mr. Isidore (Isi) Morsel, the CEO of Dali Diamonds and the current president of AWDC, is running again. In October 2023, Mr. Morsel was appointed president by the board of AWDC, succeeding David Gotlib, who resigned in September 2023.

The ‘Diamond Office’, one of AWDC eight departments, is the Belgian customs office in charge of the control of imports and exports of rough and polished diamonds. In March this year, it was blamed for non-efficient implementation of the G7 sanctions, that caused long delays of diamond shipment. Ari Epstein, the AWDC long standing CEO, resigned, and Karen Rentmeesters, who served as head of communications, was appointed interim CEO of the center. Other AWDC main departments include business development, finance, legal and compliance, and public relations.