Based in London, Shah will assume the position in February, departing her post as head of ethical and sustainable value chains at the De Beers Group.
Shah has been involved with the Responsible Jewellery Council since 2018 and has served on its board since 2023. She has more than 15 years of experience working in the jewellery industry, and has previously worked with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO).
In an interview with Rapaport News, Shah said she would spend the first year of her tenure developing an understanding of the challenges members face and the role the RJC can play in addressing them.
“I’ve worked closely with the RJC for many years, [and this new role] is a natural fit and progression from the work I do at De Beers, which is focused on evolving our ethics and provenance programs,” Shah explained.
“I feel very fortunate to be taking the reins at a time when everything is pretty stable. We are embedding our newly established suite of standards and working to fine-tune certain aspects.
“I think my strengths lie in building strong relationships, [and I intend to] consult multiple stakeholders to understand how we might navigate new territory on new standards or tools, and I place a lot of value in hearing these perspectives.
She added: “My key focus in 2026 will be understanding where our membership needs us most, and working towards that.”
The RJC’s previous executive director, Melanie Grant, announced her resignation in February after a brief two-year stint with the international trade association.
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