The JAA board is in the spotlight again, this time concerning the appointment of two independent directors with specialised governance expertise. Anna Hakman was appointed one day after an online article was posted by the JAA that made false claims and which, presumably, was approved by the board.

Lindsay Kotzman: JAA co-opted director; freely answered questions regarding the circumstances behind his appointment and his connection to the jewellery industry.

Joshua Sharp: JAA president; says both Kotzman and Hakman "bring deep expertise in governance" to the JAA "to navigate a complex and evolving industry environment".

Anna Hakman: JAA co-opted director; she has not provided information regarding the circumstances behind her appointment and has not answered governance questions about the JAA's false claims.

Meredith Doig: Former JAA co-opted director; who did not disclose her business relationship with vice president Ronnie Bauer. She taught governance for five years at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

MYSTERY: The JAA announcement of Anna Hakman’s appointment in April did not disclose her position at Monash University, and while the JAA lists the current employment of all other board members on its website, the only director that is not disclosed is Hakman.

QUESTIONS: The JAA’s ‘About Board’ page highlights the fact that Anna Hakman’s listing stands out as being inconsistent with all other directors, also calling into question why the announcement of her appointment omitted important information for members and the wider industry.