Speakers

Edward’s career has focused on knowledge, ethics and integrity within the gem and jewellery industry, with an overarching drive to protect consumer confidence through responsible business practices. His role as Corporate Responsibility Director sees him lead Gemfields’ work in creating a positive impact within the communities around its mines and driving improvements across the coloured gemstone and jewellery sector as a whole. Since entering the industry in 1993, Edward has held senior executive positions with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) in London and has experience as a trade journalist, educator, gemmological consultant, and jewellery appraiser in Hong Kong. Prior to joining Gemfields in April 2022, he ran his own consultancy delivering projects to advance responsible business practices and address ESG issues in the jewellery supply chain with clients including CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation. Edward’s desire to create change on the continent stems from his African upbringing. He is a Graduate Gemologist from GIA, as well as a member of both the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.