The World Diamond Council is a champion for the natural diamond trade, with the primary objective of building confidence in natural diamonds and helping the trade sell them, according to its incoming President Ronnie VanderLinden. He was speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the WDC, which took place May 7, 2026, in Antwerp, Belgium.

Taking office at a time of weaker demand, increased competition and fragmented messaging, VanderLinden said the industry must align behind a clear and consistent position. His approach is direct:

“We are here for one reason. To be a champion for the natural diamond trade. We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds. If we are not helping sell natural diamonds in a meaningful way, we are not doing our job.” 

The industry must align behind one clear message on what natural diamonds are and why they matter. That message needs to be demonstrated by the role natural diamonds play in producing countries. And the World Diamond Council must clear a path for the trade, removing the obstacles that make it harder to operate and compete.

“The case for natural diamonds is strong,” VanderLinden said. “But it has to be demonstrated. Where they come from, how they move through the pipeline and what they do in producing countries is the evidence we need to show.”

He also reaffirmed the central role of the Kimberley Process, positioning it as a mechanism to support confidence in natural diamonds.

“We will continue the work to update the conflict diamond definition, so it reflects the reality of today’s risks and strengthens confidence in natural diamonds,” he said. “Feriel Zerouki and the team brought this issue to the forefront. That work matters. We now must finish the job.”

VanderLinden will serve alongside newly appointed Vice President Anoop Mehta, whom he described as “a pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade.”

“I could not ask for a better second in command,” He added. “Anoop’s experience, leadership and deep connections across the industry will be extremely important as we continue this work together.”

Commenting on the same, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman GJEPC said:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Anoop Mehta on his appointment as the Vice President of The World Diamond Council. This is a proud moment for India and the diamond industry. With his vast experience and leadership, I am confident the WDC, under Mr. Ronnie VanderLinden and Mr. Anoop Mehta, will continue to strengthen consumer confidence and promote the growth of the natural diamond sector.”

During the AGM, David Bonaparte was elected as WDC Treasurer, and Udi Sheintal was re-elected as WDC Secretary. As a special gesture proposed by the new president, Feriel Zerouki was elected as Honorary WDC President.

“This presidency will be judged in a very simple way,” VanderLinden added. “Not by what we say in meetings, but by what happens in the trade.”