Indian diamond industry bids adieu to Stephen Lussier

A remarkable send-off at a grand function in Mumbai 

GJEPC along with De Beers celebrated the life and times of the legendary Marketing Guru Stephen Lussier, De Beers Group Executive Vice President for Brands & Consumer Markets, who will step down on 1st April, 2022 after a 37-year long tenure. A grand send-off was held on 28th February at Sofitel Hotel, Mumbai. 

Stephen’s nearly four-decade long stint to nurture and promote the cause of natural diamonds is something that cannot be replicated but only be used as an inspiration for his successor, Marc Jacheet, who has a rich and diverse experience in the field of global luxury marketing, and most recently was President of Tiffany & Co. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

In his keynote address, Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The multi-billion-dollar Indian diamond industry owes a lot to Stephen Lussier. 

He has played a significant role and is one of the chief architects of the India diamond success story. It is our good fortune Stephen that you chose to dedicate your life to the cause of promoting diamonds.”  

Sachin Jain, Managing Director, De Beers India, noted, “Stephen Lussier is a rare gem and has shaped the entire marketing of miracles of nature. He is always bursting with ideas and is a huge inspiration for all of us.”  

Stephen was the star of the glittering event attended by the world’s leading diamantaires in Mumbai, where industry leaders heaped praise on him and recounted his many milestones and fun moments. Stephen’s quick wit, humility and immense love for India was evident during the rapid-fire round with famous model and actor, Rochelle Rao. His impromptu jig on stage to a peppy Bollywood dance number reflected his sporting spirit.  

Stephen said that three Ps were the reason why he spent his entire career at De Beers: Passion, Product and People. “These are the three reasons that have kept me engaged. We work in an industry where diamonds are part of the happiest moments of one’s life.”