RJC nominates Michael Lerche for vice chair

Michael Lerche, Goldstar Jewellery chief executive, has been nominated for the position of vice chair at the Responsible Jewelry Council.

Lerche has been an elected member of the council board for five years. He previously led his company to join the organisation in 2014 and has been a long-term advocate for industry transparency and sustainability standards.

Lerche also worked as a president of The Plumb Club, a company of suppliers spanning all facets of the jewellery, diamond and watch industries. 

During his tenure as president of The Plumb Club in 2019, Lerche oversaw the move to make council certification a mandatory condition of membership for the trade association. 

He currently serves as the club’s pavilion chairman and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York.

The election comes as the council continues to expand its remit over global jewellery supply chains. Lerche has over 40 years of experience in the sector and maintains multiple leadership roles across industry bodies.

Lerche said: “Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of helping to spur the growth and organization of the RJC, an organisation that positively impacts the jewelry industry overall by instilling trust, transparency and sustainability, benefitting consumers, communities and the environment.

“In order to strengthen the organisation and continue to drive the positive trajectory the RJC has been on for the past few years, I would like to join the executive board as vice-chair.”