The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) today sees Melanie Grant step down as executive director after two years in the job.
She will stay on as a consultant to support John Hall, who has been with the RJC since its inception in 2005 and will take her role in the interim until RJC recruits for the position.
Writer and curator Grant brought more than 20 years in the watch and jewellery industry’s media outlets to the executive director role.
This expertise positively impacted the RJC with membership increases globally to 2,000 this first quarter, a successful review of the COP and COC and the introduction of the new lab-grown materials standard.
“After a wonderful two years at the RJC working with the team, welcoming members from new countries, completing a huge amount of consultation on the new standards and finalising the new lab-grown material standard, it is time for me to hand the baton to someone new who will take the RJC into its next era,” says Grant.
“We will celebrate our 20th anniversary this year and we have hit 2,000 members. I have learnt so much from doing this role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important industry institution.”
Dave Meleski, president and CEO adds: “It is with mixed emotions that we announce Mel’s transition from her role at the RJC.
“While I am sorry for her to step down, I am thankful for all that she has accomplished in her two years as executive director of the organisation, and how she has transformed it positively into a much better place today than when she arrived.
“The ability for transition is greatly enhanced by both what she has done with the RJC, but also her willingness to help in transitioning to a new executive director. It has been my pleasure working with Mel this past year in my role as chair of the board.”
Founded in 2005 by 14 major industry organisations, RJC certifications today through its Code of Practices and Chain of Custody standards now cover more than half of the world’s jewellery market.
As Grant leaves, the organisation looks to the future and the next chapter to successfully take it into a new era and continue to deliver on its mission of continuous improvement in the integrity of the global jewellery and watch supply chain.
