The Natural Color Diamond Association on Dec. 14 announced the appointment of Robert May as its new executive director, effective Jan. 1, 2008. He will replace Sam Merksamer whose resignation was announced on Dec. 7.

May was previously the brand manager for Pluczenik Diamond Company. Prior to that position, May spent 20 years with the Diamond Promotion Service/JWT in many positions, including retail management and senior partner.

“Robert May is uniquely positioned within the market to build our association and the NCDIA board is looking forward to the leadership platform and programs that Robert is developing,” said Jordan Fine, NCDIA president.

“There is an untapped consumer demand for natural color diamonds and I am excited to help our members and the industry at large better reach the consumer, May said. “From the elite luxury market to mainstream jewelry consumers, there are natural diamond products for every level of the market.”

JCK