Sourcing

Diamond Development Initiative Names New Executive Director

SourcingAug 15, 2019

Diamond Development Initiative Names New Executive Director

Deputy Executive Director Ian Rowe will take the reins on Sept. 2 when founding Executive Director Dorothée Gizenga steps down to take a new position at DDI.

20190815_DDI_Logo.jpg
DDI, a non-profit focused on supporting artisanal and small-scale miners, appointed Ian Rowe as its new executive director.
Ottawa, Canada—The Diamond Development Initiative appointed Ian Rowe as its new executive director effective Sept. 2, the non-profit announced Wednesday.

Founding Executive Director Dorothée Gizenga is stepping down after more than a decade to take on the role of Regional Director in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to lead the group’s expansion in Africa.

Ian RoweFounded in 2007, the group supports artisanal and small-scale miners by providing them with information, tools and access to work opportunities.

Rowe has served as deputy executive director since September 2018, managing field operations in Sierra Leone and leading the planning process to better position DDI to work with artisanal miners as they tackle development challenges ahead.

“Artisanal miners are at the wellhead of the diamond pipeline,” Rowe said in a press release. “Bringing them into the formal diamond economy benefits them, their communities and the industry as a whole. Scaling up what we have learned about the process is the task ahead.”

He has more than two decades of experience working with civil society organizations and the United Nations in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to address issues of development, socio-economic recovery and conflict prevention in Africa.

Prior to joining DDI, he was the director of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation, Reintegration and Resettlement Division within the UN Stabilisation Mission in Congo (MONUSCO).

He has also held senior UN management positions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti as well as staff and consulting positions in Kenya, Somalia, Burundi and Bolivia.

In 2008, Rowe served on a UN Panel of Experts on the Sudan, investigating violations of the arms embargo on Darfur. 

Rowe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University in French and Spanish and a Master’s degree in international conflict analysis from the University of Kent.

DDI is a member of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, working with industry, governments, and various organizations in African and South American countries with alluvial artisanal and small-scale diamond production.
Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Gina Drosos, Joan Hilson, and Jamie Singleton
EditorsMar 18, 2024
Q&A: Signet CEO Gina Drosos on Natural Diamonds

Drosos shared her top takeaways from a recent Botswana trip and her insights into the natural diamond market.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsMar 18, 2024
Claire’s to Launch in 4,400 Walgreens Stores

The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMar 18, 2024
JA Partners with eBay on New Member Benefit

Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Launches Inaugural Scholarship

The deadline to apply is March 29.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Brilliant Earth x Logan Hollowell Bloom earrings
FinancialsMar 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth Posts Record Sales, Orders in 2023

CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.

Lotus Tiara
CollectionsMar 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: The Lotus Tiara

The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.

GIA id100
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingMar 14, 2024
GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego

The spring application window closes on March 31.

15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond
AuctionsMar 14, 2024
Phillips Hong Kong to Auction 15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond

It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.

Hedda Schupak
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2024
WJA Foundation Establishes Scholarship in Hedda Schupak’s Honor

It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.

Slick Rick
Events & AwardsMar 13, 2024
A Celebration of Hip-Hop Jewelry Is Coming to AMNH

“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.

Dave Meleski
MajorsMar 13, 2024
Richline’s Dave Meleski Takes Over as RJC Chair

He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day kids jewelry contest
IndependentsMar 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Is Holding a Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest for Kids

Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.

Boucheron Power of Couture
CollectionsMar 13, 2024
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Pays Homage to Ceremony, History

“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.

Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsMar 12, 2024
Top Lots Don’t Sell at Sotheby’s Signed Jewels Auction

A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsMar 12, 2024
The PR Adviser: Closing Sales and Following Up

Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.

Steve Webb
MajorsMar 12, 2024
Steve Webb Named EVP of The Gordon Company

He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.

Diamonds Do Good Awards logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2024
DDG to Honor 3 Industry Veterans in Vegas

At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.

Cynthia Erivo
EditorsMar 11, 2024
This Year’s Oscars Jewelry Was the Definition of Glamour

Vibrant gemstones, layered diamond pieces and brooches with a story stole the show.

2024 Gem Awards audience
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2024
Gem Awards Highlight the Power of Retail, Community

The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.

Jewelry from designers Jean Prounis, Marla Aaron, and Marie Lichtenberg
CollectionsMar 08, 2024
Pieces of the Week: Gem Award for Jewelry Design Nominees

They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.

Peter Montalbano
Events & AwardsMar 08, 2024
Peter Montalbano to Receive JSA Industry Service Award

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.

Pomellato International Women’s Day video campaign
Policies & IssuesMar 08, 2024
Pomellato’s 2024 IWD Video Calls for an End to Violence Against Women

The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.

970x250.jpg
Supplier BulletinMar 07, 2024
Empower Your Team with IGI’s Comprehensive Educational Services

Sponsored by IGI

Eddie Grove
IndependentsMar 07, 2024
‘Old-School’ Jewelry Salesman Eddie Grove Dies at 81

The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.

A selection of engagement rings
TrendsMar 07, 2024
5 Engagement Ring Trends for 2024

From three-stone rings to fancy shapes, experts weigh in on what consumers could be looking for this year.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy