The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices has named Michael L. Rae as its chief executive officer, and Santiago Porto as its programme director. The two men will begin their work in early February.

“Michael’s exceptional ability to bring industry, government and civil society together to work collaboratively on social and environmental issues makes him an ideal choice,” CRJP chairman Matthew A. Runci, said in a statement Monday.

“Santiago’s background and his varied fieldwork experience have enabled him to develop a real understanding of the issues facing companies working together to embed ethical considerations into their supply chains,” Runci added.

As CEO, Rae will work to expand membership in the CRJP, communicate with various stakeholders and supervise the development of the Council’s Responsible Business Framework. He will promote awareness, understanding and continuous improvement within the industry on key ethical, social and environmental issues.

Porto will be responsible for executing the Council’s programs, including the development of the CRJP Principles and Code of Practices and their associated implementation and monitoring. He will also work to ensure that appropriate guidance, training and education are available to CRJP members and their business partners.

CRJP promotes responsible ethical, social and environmental practices throughout the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain.

Rae has worked for the WWF, formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund, since 1989. He has been a catalyst of international collaborative efforts among participants from mining companies, associations and civil society, seeking to reach agreement on independent verification of environmental, social and economic performance in the mining industry.

Porto has been membership development manager for the Ethical Trading Initiative in London, a multi-stakeholder organization promoting international labour standards in global supply chains in the footwear and clothing industry. He also managed projects engaging business, civil society and government with the United Nations Development Programme in Mozambique.

JCK