Natural Diamond Council Picks Mytheresa Exec as New CEO

By Rob Bates | November 21, 2025

Amber Pepper, currently a top executive at luxury e-tailer Mytheresa, has been named the new CEO of Natural Diamond Council (NDC), effective Feb. 1, 2026.

She will be based out of London.

Pepper will succeed David Kellie, who is leaving the NDC at the end of 2025 after six years in the CEO job. During January, the group will report to its chair, De Beers Brands CEO Sandrine Conseiller.

“Pepper will focus on shaping a compelling narrative that reinforces the desirability of natural diamonds and drives measurable commercial outcomes,” the NDC said in a statement. “She will strengthen consumer demand and industry partnerships, while ensuring natural diamonds remain distinct and relevant in a competitive landscape.

“A key priority will be expanding digital engagement with younger consumers and using data-driven insights to create marketing strategies that inspire emotional connection and long-term loyalty.”

Pepper spent the last few years as chief marketing and customer officer and managing director of Mytheresa, the Munich-based e-tailer formerly owned by Neiman Marcus. Before that, she worked as vice president of marketing and communications for Tapestry and its subsidiary Coach, as well as chief marketing officer at Farfetch.

The NDC has been coping with a serious cash crunch since 2022 when Russian diamond producer Alrosa departed the group following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In June, the NDC negotiated an agreement with diamond-producing nations for funding.

However, Kellie tells JCK it’s still working out how the funding mechanisms will work, and he hopes to get details finalized before he leaves.

The NDC statement thanked Kellie for his leadership, which included rebranding the group from the Diamond Producers Association.

“He strengthened relationships across the industry and navigated the organization through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said.

(Photo courtesy of the Natural Diamond Council)