Andrey Pilipchak (pictured), the CEO and owner of the PriceScope diamond trading platform, died Sept. 26 of a heart attack. He was 53.
Pilipchak was a software engineer who once described himself as a “high school hacker.” He had, by his own admission, only two months’ experience in diamonds when he took over the site in 2007.
Even so, he was quickly embraced by the site’s community, both for his behind-the-scenes revamps and as a “quintessential numbers guy” who provided regular updates of diamond data.
PriceScope director Garry Holloway remembers Pilipchak as “a gentle gentleman” who “rebuilt the PriceScope platform and automated many functions, making it possible to run the business with a small, dedicated team.
“He was the kindest most considerate person I ever met,” says Holloway. “PriceScope is notable for the politeness of the sometimes-heated debates on various diamond quality and gem issues. The politeness was an indication of his style of leadership.”
In a message on the site forum, wife Linh said the site will continue.
“Andrey would want us to move on and continue his work,” she said.
The thread soon filled up with tributes to Pilipchak.
Wrote Bryan Boyne, vice president of Whiteflash: “Andrey was an absolute gentleman in the truest sense. His warmth and kindness were always on full display in all of our interactions through the years. No matter the situation, he was always ready with a smile and a calming, positive approach to any discussion. He will be truly missed and remembered with great affection.”
Wrote another poster: “Andrey carried an aura of welcoming and acceptance. He was so kind and really just wanted everyone to win as much as possible. He was not only the PriceScope CEO but he was a cheerleader for everyone involved in any capacity. Thank you, Andrey.”
Andrey Pilipchak is survived by his wife and two sons. A funeral was held Oct. 2.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Boyne
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