Huw Daniel, currently president of PGI USA for the last 12 years has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Platinum Guild International. Current CEO James Courage, who has been at the helm of the organisation for a long period, is due to retire at the end of April. Daniel will assume his new responsibility on April 1, 2015.

The new appointment was announced by the Plainum Jewellery Development Association (PJDA), which represents the major platinum producers (Anglo Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin) and sponsors the PGI.

Prior to joining PGI USA in 2003, Daniel worked in advertising – with Saatchi & Saatchi, as senior vice president and management director; and J. Walter Thompson in Hong Kong as Diamond Marketing Group Director, where he managed De Beers' marketing communications in 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific region.

The PJDA also announced that the PGI was shifting its headquarters from London to Hong Kong, and that the new set up would be completely operational by summer. The decision is a reflection of the rising demand for platinum in Asia. At its new location, the PGI would be closer to key markets in China, Japan and India.

Andrew Hinkly, Executive Head Platinum Marketing at Anglo Platinum, said on behalf of the three sponsors: “The Platinum Guild’s move to Hong Kong and the appointment of Huw Daniel recognises the importance of platinum jewellery in Asia. Jewellery represents over a third of total platinum demand and we, as the main producers, recognise the importance of continuing to invest substantially in its future development and to work even more closely with leading retailers and manufacturers in the four PGI markets.”

Daniel said, “It’s an honour to be invited to build on James’ outstanding legacy, and so exciting to return to Asia at a time when platinum is being embraced by new generations of consumers.”

In Hong Kong, Daniel will build a new Head Office team. COO Nicholas Graham Smith who elected not to apply for the CEO role will work closely with Daniel through the transition period in addition to the other members of the Head Office team.

Jenny Luker will become President of PGI USA effective February 2, 2015. She has been with the organisation for 20 years and has been Senior Vice President since 2005.