Bouffard is leaving his position at the RJC as well as Signet Jewelers, where he has worked since 1981. He plans to depart Signet in April and will resign from the RJC before then.
As the search begins for Bouffard’s replacement, the RJC will hold a special election for chair, with the nomination process starting in January. The new chair is expected to be appointed as early as March to accommodate a transition period.
“We would appreciate you – our valued and respected members and industry leaders – to start thinking about candidates to nominate or those from certified member companies to self-nominate when the process launches come January 2024 for the distinguished role of RJC chairperson,” Bouffard said.
“We are looking for the new chair to steer our diverse team and the ever-growing RJC membership into the future with a clear vision for the changing modern world for our industry, from mine to retail, for fine jewellery and watches.”
Bouffard was elected chair of the RJC in 2018.
In January, Melanie Grant was appointed executive director of the organisation after a controversial fallout following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The RJC was formed in 2005 and, to date, has 1,700 members across more than 70 countries.
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