McEwen Appointed Marketing Manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds

McEwen (above) will face a shrinking client base after five of RTD's Select Diamantaires were cut off the list

Clark McEwen, a veteran diamond industry marketing manager, has been named marketing manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds, effective March 1. The appointment is part of a wider change in the company's sales and marketing management team.

Most recently, McEwen served as vice president of marketing and then chief operating officer at lab-diamond maker Gemesis, a post he resigned from in November 2008. Previously, he managed the CanadaMark diamond program at BHP Billiton.

McEwen is replacing Patrick Coppens who will take up the position of sales manager, heading the customer account management team, effective February 1. Coppens' career with Rio Tinto spans 25 years in a range of sales and marketing positions for both the rough and polished diamond businesses.

"Clark brings a wealth of international experience to this role, with a strong knowledge of the entire diamond pipeline, and proven trading, manufacturing, branding and retail skills gained from over 25 years in the diamond industry," Rio Tinto said in announcing the appointment.

Commenting on the appointment, Rio Tinto Diamonds General Manager, Sales and Marketing Jean-Marc Lieberherr said, “We are delighted with the appointment of Clark and his experience will be invaluable in continuing to build on the success of the business and drive a competitive advantage for our Select Diamantaires.”

McEwen will be based in Antwerp, reporting to Lieberherr.

Rio Tinto Diamonds is one of the world's largest diamond producers, with mines in Australia, Canada and Zimbabwe. It plays a central role in the industry, actively involved in many promotional and development projects such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).

One of the issues McEwen will likely tackle is the creation of an industry-wide marketing organization, an initiative started by Alrosa. The project recently stalled after Alrosa had a change of heart regarding its involvement in it.