Lieberherr joined the DPA as chairman in December 2015, and was named CEO three years ago.
The seven largest diamond-producing companies – De Beers, Alrosa, Rio Tinto, Dominion Diamond, Gem Diamonds, Lucara Diamond, Murowa Diamonds and Petra Diamonds – formed the DPA in order to jointly fund marketing and research projects that support the natural diamond industry.
During his tenure, Lieberherr oversaw major initiatives including; commissioning the Trucost Total Clarity report into DPA members’ environmental, economic and social impacts, the Project Assure synthetic diamond detector tests, and the ‘Real is Rare’ advertising campaign.
In a statement announcing his departure from the organisation, Lieberherr said, “This is an emotional moment for me after four years of association with the DPA, but I am proud of what has been achieved since the DPA was created, and especially since it received increased funding from June 2017.
“The DPA now has strong teams and foundations in place to capture the opportunities that lie ahead and it is time for a new leader to take the organisation through its next phase of development.”
Stephen Lussier, chairman DPA, added, “Jean-Marc was one of the DPA’s founding members and helped steer the development of the organisation from the beginning. On behalf of the entire board we thank Jean-Marc for his leadership, his commitment to the mission of the DPA and his energy in building the organisation during its formative years.”
Lieberherr was previously general manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds.
David Kellie will replace him as DPA CEO. Kellie joins the DPA after two years as head of US marketing for Watches of Switzerland; previously, he held the title of corporate senior vice president, global marketing and advertising, at fashion house Ralph Lauren.
Kellie said he was “delighted to be joining the DPA at such an exciting time, both for the organisation and for the diamond sector,” adding that his focus would be on growing consumer demand for diamonds.
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