AWDC Makes Karen Rentmeesters Permanent CEO 

The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has appointed Karen Rentmeesters as its new permanent head after three months as interim CEO. 

The board of directors unanimously agreed to give Rentmeesters the position, effective immediately, the organization said last week. Rentmeesters has more than 14 years of experience with the AWDC, including stints as communications officer and head of public relations and industry relations. She became interim CEO following the departure of Ari Epstein in April. Her role will include guiding Antwerp back to growth by focusing on optimizing AWDC’s operations.  

“The fact that all board members unanimously agreed to appoint [Rentmeesters] as permanent CEO of the AWDC speaks volumes about the trust we all put in her,” said Isidore Mörsel, president of AWDC’s board of directors. “In the past three months, as interim CEO, she has demonstrated to be an absolute added value for the organization. [Rentmeesters] has a solid understanding of our industry and of the challenges our industry is currently facing. She is not afraid to tackle difficult decisions and brings a creative approach to the table, which, combined with her experience, makes her the perfect person for the job.” 

Image: Karen Rentmeesters. (Antwerp World Diamond Centre)