Appointment
De Beers Names Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu as MD of Forevermark India
Appointment signals accelerated retail expansion as India emerges as a key growth market for natural diamond jewellery
De Beers Group has appointed Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu as Managing Director of Forevermark India, effective January 2026, reinforcing its strategy to expand the brand’s footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing natural diamond jewellery markets.
Mallikarjuna brings over 20 years of leadership experience spanning fashion, luxury, FMCG and organised retail. He most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer at Arvind Fashions Limited, where he drove sales and revenue strategies for leading brands such as U.S. Polo Assn., Arrow and Flying Machine. Announcing his departure on LinkedIn, he credited the leadership team for the opportunity to help stabilise and transform the business.

Earlier, he spent six years at Nestlé India, heading food service and retail formats including Maggi Hotspots, KitKat Break Zones, Milk Booths and Nescafé kiosks, managing a nationwide network of over 750 outlets. His career also includes senior roles at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (Peter England), Walmart India and Godrej Agrovet.
The appointment comes as De Beers scales Forevermark’s presence in India, now the world’s second-largest market for natural diamond jewellery. Having transitioned from a loose diamond offering to a branded jewellery retail model, Forevermark plans to expand to 100 outlets by 2030.
With rising consumer incomes, increasing premiumisation and rapid growth of organised retail, India is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of natural diamonds. Yarabolu’s expertise in channel expansion and retail-led growth is set to support Forevermark’s next phase of growth in the country.
Appointment
Ronnie VanderLinden Appointed WDC President, Anoop Mehta Named VP
VanderLinden Stressed That The WDC’s Role Is To Help Build Confidence In Natural Diamonds and Support The Trade Globally
The World Diamond Council (WDC) has appointed Ronnie VanderLinden as its new President and diamantaire Anoop Mehta, Convenor – Diamond Panel, GJEPC, as Vice President. VanderLinden succeeds Feriel Zerouki, who was named Honorary WDC President during the AGM.
Speaking at the WDC Annual General Meeting held on 7th May 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium, VanderLinden said:

“Global natural diamond industry must unite behind a clear and consistent narrative at a time of weaker demand, growing competition, and fragmented messaging. We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds.”
VanderLinden said, stressing that the WDC’s role is to help build confidence in natural diamonds and support the trade globally. VanderLinden emphasized that the industry needs to clearly communicate the value proposition of natural diamonds, particularly their contribution to producing nations and communities. According to him, provenance, responsible sourcing, and the positive socio-economic impact of diamond mining will remain central to the industry’s messaging strategy.
He also reaffirmed the importance of the Kimberley Process (KP) in safeguarding consumer confidence. VanderLinden said the WDC would continue efforts to update the definition of conflict diamonds so that it reflects the reality of today’s risks and strengthens confidence in natural diamonds.
Joining VanderLinden in the WDC leadership team is newly appointed Vice President Anoop Mehta, whom he described as “a pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade.”
The AGM also saw David Bonaparte elected as Treasurer, while Udi Sheintal was re-elected as Secretary.
-
BrandBuzz1 minute agoSennes From The House Of Senco Brings The Glamour Of Cannes Home With ‘Seen at Cannes’
-
National News13 minutes agoGold Rates In India Decline, Silver Rates Unchanged
-
DiamondBuzz19 hours agoDivine Solitaires Reinforces The Value Of Diamonds Amid Rising Gold Prices and Evolving Consumer Sentiment
-
BrandBuzz19 hours agoVBJ Returns To Tiruppur With An Exclusive Jewellery Exhibition

