HRD Marketing and PR Director Youri Steverlynck Resigns

Youri Steverlynck tendered his resignation from the HRD on March 16,2006. Steverlynck was the organization�s director of marketing & public relations and a member of the tripartite management team. He had taken over HRD following the resignation of Peter Meeus as HRD managing director in January.

�I am grateful for the opportunities that were given to me to develop new initiatives. It was a privilege to work with a team of highly professional people. We did great things together. After six years, I feel I have given the best of myself and the time has come to look for new challenges,� commented Steverlynck, upon his resignation. �With the restructuring plan of the Board of Directors being accepted and HRD having the opportunity to restart, the moment has come to do so.�

Steverlynck, 33, joined HRD as its spokesman in early 2000, at the height of the conflict diamond crisis. As director of the marketing & public relations department, he was responsible for the development of the Antwerp Diamond Conferences, which hosted speakers such as former U.S. President Bill Clinton and South African President Thabo Mbeki; events that are considered hallmark events within the diamond industry.
In 2004, Steverlynck, a lawyer by training, took on responsibility for the organizations public affairs unit, including the diamond office, corporate affairs and government relations. In early 2006, he was appointed a member of the tripartite management team to head HRD.