HRD Appoints Independent Director, Changes Name

HRD’s board of directors decided today (Thursday) to change its name from Hoge Raad voor Diamant (Antwerp Diamond High Council) to Antwerp World Diamond Centre, or AWDC. The board also decided to appoint Theo Dilissen as its independent Director.

The new name is part of the restructuring of the umbrella organization, decided on last March. The restructuring plan called for a change in the makeup of the board and for a division in of tasks. One of the changes in the board included the appointment of an independent director, defined as a ‘captain of industry’ that would bring know how from outside the diamond industry.

Dilissen is the CEO of Avia Partner. With him there are another 11 directors on the new board: six people chosen directly by the diamond trade, three representatives of the diamond-exchanges, one from the industry, and one delegate from employee organizations.

The new name is given to the apex body. The umbrella organization’s commercial operations will continue under the name NV HRD Antwerp. The board plans to complete the restructuring in early 2007.

The restructuring was practically forced on the HRD by Belgium’s Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. He summoned HRD President Jacky Roth for a meeting in January, and voiced concern over events that took place at the HRD that centered on clashes in the board that led to resignations, threats of lawsuits, and cancelled plans. Among the plans were international office openings and conferences.

Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt demanded an overhaul of the board structure. If the changes are not made, Verhofstadt said he will have to treat the HRD as an illegal organization.