Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Antwerp’s board of directors has named Paul De Wachter, a diamond industry banking veteran with more than 20 years of experience, as its new CEO.

Antwerp, Belgium—HRD Antwerp, the grading lab that is a subsidiary of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, has named Paul De Wachter as its new CEO.

De Wachter, who will officially take on the role in January 2026, succeeds Ellen Joncheere, who has held the position since 2020. 

Joncheere’s contract was not renewed, said the company, and she is stepping down.

The board expressed its thanks for her service and said, “She succeeded in putting the company back on track in a relatively short period after a turbulent time—an achievement that was anything but self-evident.”

The lab’s interim CEO, Stanley De Belie, who is also the chief operations officer, will lead the company during the transitional phase.

De Wachter has more than 20 years of experience in the international diamond industry, beginning his career in 2002 at the Antwerp Diamond Bank.

He served as senior relationship manager there before moving to Channel Capital Advisors and taking on a similar role.

He joined the National Bank of Fujairah in 2018, starting there as head of the Antwerp Representative Office, where he built a local client portfolio.

Most recently, De Wachter has served as head of the diamond unit at the National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), expanding its brand and strengthening its market position, according to HRD Antwerp.

De Wachter holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. 

“With his extensive experience in the international diamond industry, his strong and relevant network, and the concrete results he has achieved as head of the diamond unit at NBF, Paul convinced us that he is the right person to lead HRD Antwerp into the future,” Bart De Hantsetters said on behalf of the board of directors. 

“We are delighted that someone with his expertise and vision is taking on this important role and wish him every success.” 

De Wachter said he is looking forward to the new challenge. 

“I am fully aware of the amount of work that lies ahead, at a time when the international diamond industry is facing major challenges, including the rise of lab-grown diamonds. 

“HRD needs a strong, clear vision and determined leadership to deliver on its role as a trusted partner for its clients. In my role as CEO, I will do everything I can to make that happen,” he said.