Andrey Polyakov has been elected as the new President of the World Diamond Council (WDC), succeeding Edward Asscher whose two-year term as President concluded on May 22, 2016, the organisation said in a release. Polyakov had served as Vice President of the WDC since 2015.

The WDC is a collective of members representing the entire international diamond industry supply chain, from mining through retail, particularly in the development and implementation of regulatory and voluntary systems developed by the United Nations and the Kimberley Process to eradicate the trade of conflict diamonds.

Polyakov’s role will be to continue the mission of the organisation and to further protect the integrity and reputation of the Kimberley Process. He has been with Alrosa, the largest diamond producer in the world, and a member company of the WDC since 2000 for the last 12 years, currently serving as Vice President responsible for client policy and by international cooperation.   He joined the firm in 2004, first being responsible for ALROSA’s public communications policy, building up the company's image.

In 2013, Polyakov led the informational support of the company’s IPO and later started the work on the development of ALROSA international relations, strengthening the company’s cooperation with industry organizations, and participating in the preparation for contract periods. He also acted as one of the initiators of the creation of the Diamond Producers Association (DPA), and is now a founding member of the DPA Board.

On assuming his new responsibility, Polyakov said, “I am honoured to have been elected and am confident that joint efforts and a willingness to dialogue among all parties will enable us to achieve success in strengthening our industry’s reputation.”

Outgoing president Edward Asscher said, “Much was accomplished these past two years, including the passing of the first Strategic Plan in the history of the WDC. We look forward to Andrey’s leadership and continuation of the progress made within the WDC and its enhanced engagement with the KP.”

Thanking Asscher for his significant efforts on behalf of the WDC these past two years, Polyakov noted, "I highly appreciate Edward’s efforts in the development of our industry. Under his leadership, the WDC made huge progress in enhancing and improving its role in supporting and developing the KP”.

Pic caption: Andrey Polyakov, new WDC President