Appointment
Natural Diamond Council appoints Amber Pepper as CEO
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) today announced the appointment of Amber Pepper as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2026.A seasoned global leader in luxury brand transformation, Pepper brings a wealth of experience in driving commercial growth, digital innovation, and consumer-centric storytelling across some of the world’s most respected fashion and retail brands, including senior roles at Tapestry, Farfetch, and Harrods. Most recently she has served as Chief Marketing and Customer Officer and Managing Director at luxury digital platform Mytheresa.
In her new role, Pepper will focus on shaping a compelling narrative that reinforces the desirability of natural diamonds and drives measurable commercial outcomes. She will strengthen consumer demand and industry partnerships, while ensuring natural diamonds remain distinct and relevant in a competitive landscape. A key priority will be expanding digital engagement with younger consumers and using data-driven insights to create marketing strategies that inspire emotional connection and long-term loyalty.
A seasoned global leader in luxury brand transformation, Pepper brings a wealth of experience in driving commercial growth, digital innovation, and consumer-centric storytelling across some of the world’s most respected fashion and retail brands.
Pepper’s work has consistently focused on building emotionally resonant brands and connecting with Gen Z and luxury consumers across global markets. Her experience in leading omnichannel strategies and building high-performing teams will be central to guiding the NDC’s next phase of growth.

Sandrine Conseiller, Chair of the NDC, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Amber as the new CEO of the Natural Diamond Council. Her global perspective, commercial expertise, and deep understanding of luxury consumers make her an exceptional choice to lead the Council and galvanise the industry.”
The appointment follows the announcement that current CEO David Kellie will retire at the end of this year. Since joining the NDC in 2019, Kellie has overseen the Council’s re-brand from the Diamond Producers Association to the Natural Diamond Council. He strengthened relationships across the industry and navigated the organisation through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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