DiamondBuzz
Petra Diamonds Confirms Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp as Joint CEOs, Strengthens Board Leadership
New permanent appointments aim to drive operational stability, corporate efficiency, and long-term value creation.
Petra Diamonds has officially named Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp as joint CEOs, following approval at the company’s annual general meeting on November 27. The duo, who have served as joint interim CEOs since February, will now continue in these roles on a permanent basis. Gadodia will lead the corporate strategy, while Kemp will oversee the miner’s operations, with both reporting regularly to the board.
“In the past nine months, we have shaped Petra into a more streamlined and resilient business as we worked through the company’s refinancing. We are committed to guiding the organisation forward, with a clear focus on delivering our extension projects and unlocking value for stakeholders in the short to medium term,” they said.
In parallel, Petra Diamonds has expanded and reshaped its board. Kushal Kamir, a finance veteran with more than 30 years of global experience in corporate banking, investment management, and credit markets, has joined as a nonexecutive director. Lerato Molebatsi has been appointed senior independent nonexecutive director, while José Manuel Vargas will now chair the remuneration and nomination committees. All appointments take effect immediately.
At the same time, Alex Watson, board observer, and Bernard Pryor, senior non-executive director and chair of the nomination committee, have stepped down from their roles.
DiamondBuzz
GJEPC engages Belgian diplomats and trade officials in key discussions at BDB
A high-level Belgian delegation arrived at the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai on 3rd December, bringing renewed focus to the deep commercial and cultural ties that link India and Belgium’s diamond sectors.
The Belgian delegation included HE Ambassador William Asselborn, Director for Asia and Oceania at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai; Brigadier General Mario Engels, Defence Attaché from the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, along with senior representatives from Flanders Investment and Trade.Eva Verstraelen and Filippe De Potter.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, and Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, joined Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB, and other bourse officials in welcoming the delegation for a formal interaction and tour of the world’s largest diamond trading complex.

“Our relationship with Belgium has been built on trust, respect, and years of working together. Antwerp and Mumbai have grown alongside each other, supported by our diamond businesses, our artisans, and the many Indian families who made Antwerp their home. As the industry evolves, there is real opportunity for us to work even more closely in technology, new ideas, and smoother trade, strengthening the future of our diamond partnership.” Kirit Bhansali said.
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