Stephen Lussier, the longest-serving member of the Natural Diamond Council’s (NDC) Board of Directors, has announced his retirement as Chair and Board Member. According to NDC, David Prager, Chief Brand Officer at De Beers and an active NDC board member since 2022, will take over as Chair.
Lussier was key in bringing together mining industry competitors in 2015 to invest in the global marketing of natural diamonds through the founding of the NDC (previously the Diamond Producers Association). He has continued to give great leadership and assistance to the NDC‘s management team since then, as well as serving as the major link between the NDC management team and its member companies, according to the statement.
“It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with Stephen,” stated David Kellie, CEO of Natural Diamond Council. His zeal for instilling a desire for natural diamonds is unparalleled in our sector, and his experience and knowledge of the industry have been critical to the NDC‘s success. Despite his retirement from De Beers earlier this year, Stephen agreed to stay on with the NDC to help ensure a seamless transition to our incoming Chair. Personally, I will miss his mentoring but wish him a happy retirement.”
“As the only remaining original member of the founding board, it’s been a great honor to serve as Chair and help contribute to the incredibly important work of the NDC,” Stephen Lussier said. Consumer desire for diamonds and demand for diamond jewelry are the foundations upon which our industry is founded, and the NDC’s work is critical in sustaining and growing this consumer want. This is more evident than ever in the current market. I am still certain that with the correct promotion, the diamond fantasy will live ‘forever’.”
Kellie noted that David Prager, who has been an active participant with the NDC for the previous three years and will become a Board Director at the end of 2022, is perfectly poised to support the NDC‘s future growth.
“Across time and borders, natural diamonds stand apart as a source of value and values,” Prager added. “I’d like to express my gratitude to Stephen for his invaluable contributions to the NDC since its inception.” I am honored to serve as Chairman of the NDC and to work with its devoted team to bring the diamond dream to more people throughout the world.”