The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) has appointed Anna Martin as its new president. Founded in 2007 by Russell Simmons and De Beers, the DEF works to help citizens of countries with significant economic dependence on the diamond trade.
Martin succeeds Phyllis Bergman, who is leaving the position after a five-year term. Martin currently acts as senior vice-president for global development and beneficiation at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She was elected to the new position at the DEF’s annual board meeting in January.
The leadership team includes vice-president Varda Shine, former head of global sightholder sales for De Beers; secretary Yancy Weinrich, Reed Jewelry Group senior vice-president; and treasurer Richard Slomovitz, CFO of Rush Communications. Shine’s co-vice-president Ed Hrabak, retiring COO of Signet Jewelers, is set to remain on the board in a personal capacity.
