She has over 20 years of experience.
(Press Release) NEW YORK, NY – The World Diamond Council announced that its board of directors has named Marie-Chantal Kaninda as executive director, effective March 1.
Kaninda will be replacing Patricia Syvrud, who is stepping down on Feb. 28.
Kaninda brings to the organization over 20 years of industry marketing and stakeholder engagement experience, having worked for companies such as Anglo Gold Ashanti, De Beers and Rio Tinto, mostly in Africa. A resident of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kaninda is fluent in French and English, and since 2012 is chair of the Anti-Corruption Initiative for the Private Sector for the DRC. She also sits on the board of directors of the Diamond Development Initiative and Procredit Equity Bank.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Ms. Kaninda’s background and experience take on the role of Executive Director of the WDC,” said Andrey Polyakov, WDC president. “Her perspective will be invaluable to the industry work within the Kimberley Process reform initiative, which will take place this year and next.”
He continued: “We thank Ms. Syvrud for her professionalism and assistance in building the WDC into the organization it is today, and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”
Kaninda will be providing overall leadership to the organization, liaising and developing relationships with key stakeholders, and coordinating the representation of the WDC within the Kimberley Process, in addition to general organizational management.
Advertisement
Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision."
The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
