London: The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has elected Charlotte Rose as its new President, making history as the first woman to lead the organisation since its establishment in 1940.
The appointment is also believed to be the first time a woman has been elected president of any diamond bourse globally, marking an important milestone for one of the world's oldest and most respected diamond trading institutions.
Charlotte Rose succeeds David Troostwyk, who served as President for the past two-and-a-half years and will now continue supporting the organisation as Vice President.
A third-generation jeweller, Rose is the Founder and Director of Solomons & Rose Ltd, based in London's historic jewellery district of Hatton Garden. She also serves as Founder and Director of Furlong Auction House, specialising in jewellery and luxury collectibles.
Rose has been a member of the London Diamond Bourse's Council of Management since 2023 and previously served as the organisation's Vice President.
Commenting on her appointment, Rose said, “I am conscious, too, of what this particular election represents. The London Diamond Bourse has been trading since 1940, and I am the first woman to lead it. I would rather that fact was unremarkable, and one day, it will be. For now, I take it as a sign that this is an industry capable of change, and that our members are ready for it.”
Outgoing President David Troostwyk welcomed the transition, expressing confidence in Rose's leadership.
“It has been a privilege to lead the London Diamond Bourse, and I couldn’t think of a more capable, ambitious young leader to be handing over the presidency to than Charlotte. She has the vision, hunger and work ethic needed to modernise and take the London Diamond Bourse forward,” he said.
Troostwyk added that he looks forward to working alongside the new President to ensure the organisation remains progressive and continues to serve as a benchmark for diamond bourses around the world.
The leadership announcement follows the London Diamond Bourse's Annual General Meeting, where Wolf Rabstein was elected Treasurer, while Paul Koppelman continues as Executive Officer.
The newly elected and returning members of the Council of Management include Lewis Malka, Howard Levine, Kathy Chappell, Anna Rogers and Shadi Jin-Ziabee.
Founded in 1940, the London Diamond Bourse is one of the world's leading diamond trading institutions and a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB). Located in London's renowned Hatton Garden jewellery district, the organisation provides a secure marketplace for diamond trading while promoting ethical business practices, arbitration, professional standards and industry development.
Charlotte Rose's appointment comes at a time when the global diamond industry is increasingly embracing diversity, innovation and modern governance. Her election represents not only a significant personal achievement but also a symbolic moment for the international diamond trade, signalling the industry's willingness to evolve while preserving the traditions that have shaped the global diamond business for decades.
