Amber Pepper takes charge as Natural Diamond Council’s new CEO

NEW YORK:  Natural diamonds are getting a fresh shot of sparkle. The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has named Amber Pepper as its next chief executive officer, effective 1 February 2026—an appointment aimed at powering the industry’s next chapter of growth.

Pepper arrives with heavyweight luxury credentials. Before her latest role as chief marketing and customer officer and managing director at Mytheresa, she spent seven years at Coach as vice president, marketing and communications for EMEIA and LATAM, following a year as marketing and communications director for Europe. Earlier roles at Tapestry, Farfetch and Harrods strengthened her reputation for driving commercial growth, digital innovation and sharp, consumer-led storytelling across global markets.

Pepper is expected to turbocharge the NDC’s push to win over younger consumers and deepen traction with luxury buyers worldwide. Her playbook will hinge on omnichannel strategy, digital engagement and data-led marketing that keeps natural diamonds distinctive in a hyper-competitive marketplace.
Chair of the NDC, Sandrine Conseiller, said Pepper’s global perspective and understanding of luxury audiences makes her an “exceptional choice” to galvanise the category.

Pepper’s appointment follows the impending exit of current CEO David Kellie, who retires at the end of the year. Since joining in 2019, Kellie has overseen the NDC’s rebrand from the Diamond Producers Association and navigated the organisation through the pandemic while strengthening industry alliances.

Now, with the baton passed and competition sharpening, the NDC is banking on Pepper’s brand acumen to ensure natural diamonds keep glittering, not fading, on the global stage.