Youri Steverlynck, former spokesman for the Antwerp, Belgium, promotional group HRD, has been appointed the new chief executive officer of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, in Antwerp’s “rival,” Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He assists Peter Meuss, former HRD executive director, who is the Dubai Exchange’s executive director for diamonds and colored stones.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre also released what it called a future “master plan,” which includes a business-to-business trade fair and industry forums. Already in the pipeline are plans for a diamond grading laboratory and diamond academy, to train the local industry.