‘Name's Harder, Ron Harder’: Jewelers Mutual CEO Feted at Bond-Themed Gala

Monday evening, family, friends, and colleagues from the diamond, gem, and jewelry industry gathered at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York's Times Square to pay tribute to Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company CEO, Ron Harder. The Bond-themed gala celebrated Harder's upcoming retirement after 34 years with the organization.

Harder is known for his expansion of insurance services to jewelers in the U.S. and Canada as well as his dedication to loss prevention. In 2005, he was recognized for his many contributions to the trade when the American Gem Society (AGS) awarded him their Lifetime Achievement Award.

With 'Bond Girls,' the Bond movie theme music, and a 007-shaped ice sculpture, the tuxedo-clad Harder looked like anything but an insurance man.

“I'm leaving the company in a great position for the future,” Harder said. “I've had a tremendous amount of fun. In 34 years, it never felt like work. I've loved every minute of it."

As the evening's dossier put it, this was a celebration 'honoring the bonds of past, present, and future.' The gala party was a fitting and fun tribute to a man who has dedicated his life and leadership to the benefit of the jewelry industry. Set to retire in May 2007, Harder will be succeeded by Darin Kath, current Jewelers' Mutual President and COO.