Nicky Oppenheimer, the chairman of De Beers Group, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for “his significant contribution to the global diamond business” at the inaugural JNA (Jewellery News Awards) in Hong Kong next month.
Letitia Chow, chair of the JNA Awards judging panel, said the event’s organisers wanted to salute and honour Oppenheimer’s “significant and fundamental contributions to the industry”.
“His outstanding achievements with De Beers and the Diamond Trading Company have made him one of the key figures and leaders of the global diamond industry,” she said.
“With his inspired guidance and outstanding leadership, has significantly contributed to the development of the diamond jewellery markets in China and India − the twin growth engines in Asia, further enhancing the vital role that De Beers has played in the region by establishing the Japanese diamond jewellery market.”
Oppenheimer said it was an honour to receive the award.
“Throughout my time in the diamond industry, I have also been immensely proud to witness the growth of the consumer’s love affair with diamonds, nowhere more so than in the exciting markets across Asia,” he said.
“It is therefore a real honour for me, representing generations of the Oppenheimer family, to receive this prestigious award.
“The Oppenheimer family’s passion for diamonds, as well as our commitment to good corporate citizenship, goes back a long way.
“Over 50 years ago, my grandfather Sir Ernest Oppenheimer stated in his role as chairman of De Beers that the company must be dedicated not only to generating returns for shareholders, but also to making a real and sustainable commitment to the countries and communities in which it operates.
“Although the Oppenheimer family’s long association with De Beers has now come to an end, I have no doubt that this commitment remains as steadfast today.”
Oppenheimer will be presented with his award at the Hong Kong Ritz-Carlton on September 20.