The Rapaport Group has appointed veteran technology executive Dan Mano as its new chief executive officer, signaling a renewed push toward digital innovation across its diamond and jewelry businesses.
Mano — who holds an MBA from London Business School and UCLA Anderson, and who brings over 20 years of experience in tech companies — will take the helm of RapNet, Rapaport Auctions, the Rapaport Price List and Rapaport Information Services. He will work alongside Martin Rapaport, who will remain executive chairman to guide the company’s strategic direction and uphold its ethical mission.
“Rapaport is a globally respected brand that stands for transparency, trust and industry leadership,” Mano said Tuesday. “I’m honored to join at a time when innovation and ethics must go hand in hand.”
Mano arrives with a clear mandate: Accelerate the modernization of Rapaport’s services through cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions.
“Technology and AI aren’t just tools — they are reshaping the very structure of the diamond industry,” he said. “From enhancing pricing transparency to building smarter, more trusted trading platforms, technology is empowering both buyers and sellers in ways we’ve never seen before. At Rapaport, we intend to harness these innovations to create a faster, fairer and more dynamic market, while always preserving the ethical standards that define who we are.”
Under Mano’s leadership, the company plans to scale RapNet — the world’s largest diamond trading network, with listings of over 1.5 million stones valued at more than $7.2 billion and serving tens of thousands of verified members in 103 countries — as a marketplace for gemstones and jewelry as well. He also plans to enhance the Rapaport Price List with tools that improve transparency, accuracy and real-time responsiveness to market fluctuations.
Mano is coming into the post at a time when the industry faces significant challenges. However, he said, “I believe there’s no better time to join. Periods of disruption are also periods of opportunity. The diamond industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and companies that stay passive risk falling behind. At Rapaport, our mission remains clear: to protect the natural diamond industry, promote ethical markets, and support transparent, sustainable trade. By embracing innovation and deepening trust, we will help lead the industry through this transition — and come out stronger on the other side.”
Prior to joining Rapaport, Mano held key executive roles at Perion (Nasdaq: PERI), helping steer the digital-advertising company to a $1.9 billion market valuation from less than $200 million market capitalization when he joined. He also served as chief revenue officer at MyHeritage, where his growth strategies contributed to the company’s $600 million acquisition. His track record of marrying entrepreneurship and technical innovation with global expansion fits squarely with Rapaport’s mission.
Executive Chairman Martin Rapaport praised the appointment: “Dan brings the leadership and technological vision that will propel Rapaport into its next chapter. Our mission remains the same: to make diamonds a force for good. We are committed to the creation of ethical, transparent, competitive and efficient markets that support fair trade and sustainable development.”
As he steps into his new role, Mano says his first priority is to listen — to clients, employees and the wider industry. “Rapaport’s strength comes from trust, and trust starts with understanding.”
Main Image: Dan Mano (Orna Gutman Levy)
