Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association president Moti Ganz was elected as chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute by the IDI Board of Directors. The elections were held on July 20 with Moti Ganz receiving a 70 percent of the votes. Ganz will remain IsDMA president.

Ganz replaces Simcha Lustig, who held the position for the past three years. Lustig will continue to serve as a member of the IDI Board of Directors, and chairman of the IDI Rough Diamond Committee.

Ganz, 45, is the owner of Moti Ganz Diamonds Ltd. A second-generation diamantaire, he began his career in the industry in 1982 as an independent manufacturer. In 1989 Ganz received the Outstanding Exporter Award, and in 1991 received a sight from the DTC. Ganz’ company, one of the leading diamond exporters in Israel today, is the owner of the Elara brand diamond cut.

Ganz has been active in public life since 1989, when he was elected to the IsDMA executive board. He was the IsDMA representative on the IDI Board of Directors from 1995 – 1998. In 2001 – 2002, Ganz served as deputy president of IsDMA, and in 2002 became chairman of the IDI Finance Committee.

Ganz served as IsDMA president since February 2004. He has declared that as chairman of IDI he will place emphasis on developing the capabilities of the institute’s new gemological laboratory.

IDI is a non-profit, public interest company comprising all of the organizations and institutions of the Israeli diamond industry. Its major functions include R&D, marketing and business development, public relations, promotion of rough sources and professional training. IDI’s affiliate companies are: Israel Diamond Technology Center, IDI – International Gemological Laboratory, the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, and IDI of New York, Inc.

JCK