CRJP Names New CEO; Program Director

The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP) has named Michael L. Rae as its CEO, and Santiago Porto as its Program Director. The two will begin their work in early February.

“Michael’s exceptional ability to bring industry, government and civil society together to work collaboratively on social and environmental issues makes him an ideal choice,” says CRJP chairman Matthew A. Runci.

As CEO, Rae, who has worked since 1989 for the WWF, formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund, will work to expand membership in the CRJP, communicate with various stakeholders and supervise the development of the Council’s Responsible Business Framework, the group said in a release.

Porto will be responsible for executing the Council’s programs, including the development of the CRJP Principles and Code of Practices and their associated implementation and monitoring. He will also work to ensure that appropriate guidance, training and education are available to CRJP members and their business partners.

“Santiago’s background and his varied fieldwork experience have enabled him to develop a real understanding of the issues facing companies working together to embed ethical considerations into their supply chains,” says Runci.

The CRJP aims to promote responsible ethical, social and environmental practices throughout the diamond and gold jewelry supply chain from mine to retail.

In August the World Jewellery Confederation CIBJO left CRJP. Consequently, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) turned down an invitation to join the organization.

CIBJO president, Dr Gaetano Cavalieri, cited concern among CIBJO members that the structure that was proposed for CRJP would benefit the bigger firms at the expense of the smaller jewelers represented by CIBJO.