Robert May has become the new executive director of the Natural Color Diamond Association, the industry group that promotes colored diamonds. He replaces Sam Merksamer, who resigned to pursue opportunities in the for-profit sector.

May was previously the brand manager for Pluczenik Diamond Co. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with the Diamond Promotion Service at JWT.

“Robert May is uniquely positioned within the market to build our association, and the NCDIA board is looking forward to the leadership platform and programs that Robert is developing,” said Jordan Fine, NCDIA president.