AWDC Appoints Rentmeesters as Permanent CEO
July 21, 24
(IDEX Online) - Karen Rentmeesters, who became interim CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) in April, is to assume the role on a permanent basis.
She served as chief officer for PR and industry relations at AWDC until the sudden resignation of Ari Epstein, who gave no reason for his departure after 13 years at the helm.
AWDC announced her appointment on Friday (19 July), saying she'd been tasked with guiding Antwerp back to growth.
"The fact that all board members unanimously agreed to appoint Karen as permanent CEO of the AWDC speaks volumes about the trust we all put in her", said Isidore Morsel, president of the AWDC board of directors.
"In the past three months, as interim CEO, she has demonstrated to be an absolute added value for the organization. She has a solid understanding of our industry and of the challenges our industry is currently facing. She is not afraid to tackle difficult decisions and brings a creative approach to the table."
Rentmeesters (pictured) aged 45, said: "The global diamond industry faces geopolitical challenges and is in a worldwide crisis. As a representative body, it is crucial that we can guide our companies through these turbulent times and offer perspective for the future."