A Leadership Shift at Diamonds Do Good
Diamonds Do Good (DDG) has chosen its next president-elect: Marcus ter Haar, who will officially step into the role on Jan. 1, 2026. The board of directors unanimously approved his appointment, calling it a succession that balances continuity with a forward-looking agenda.
In the meantime, current president-elect Pete Engel will become DDG’s president on Jan. 1, succeeding Kathy Corey, who has held the role since January 2024. The three-way transition plan underscores DDG’s desire to project stability in an industry constantly under scrutiny.
Who Is Marcus ter Haar?
Ter Haar is no stranger to the diamond world. He has held leadership roles at both the Okavango Diamond Company and the Diamond Trading Company in Botswana. Within DDG, he has served as co-chair of the Beneficiary Committee, where he guided grantmaking strategy and partnerships.
His résumé spans international development as well: he is a board member of GIA, a trustee of the Lady Khama Charitable Trust, and holds advanced degrees in economic development and international relations from UK institutions. For DDG, he represents both credibility and global reach.
The Message: Diamonds as a Force for Good
DDG describes ter Haar as a respected voice who reflects its mission of promoting the positive impact of diamonds on communities. His focus, like the organization’s, has been on national development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment—particularly in Africa and India.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue building on the legacy of leaders like Kathy Corey and Pete Engel,” ter Haar said. “Diamonds Do Good represents the authentic, purpose-driven stories of how natural diamonds uplift communities worldwide.”
This statement highlights DDG’s reliance on storytelling as a tool to defend natural diamonds. But here’s the question: in a world where lab-grown diamonds and sustainable gemstones are rewriting the ethical conversation, can “natural diamonds uplift communities” stand unchallenged?
Continuity or Missed Opportunity?
Outgoing president Kathy Corey praised ter Haar’s “wealth of experience, perspective, and heart.” She cited his ties to Botswana and his commitment to sustainability and community development as perfectly aligned with DDG’s mission.
But alignment can also mean predictability. Critics might argue that DDG—an organization often accused of public relations spin for the mined-diamond sector—needs not just continuity, but bold reinvention. While ter Haar brings gravitas, will he address deeper tensions: the contested environmental footprint of natural mining, consumer appetite for ethical jewelry, and pressure from activists demanding transparency?
What Comes Next for DDG
As president-elect, ter Haar will support Engel’s leadership before taking the top role in January 2028. His mandate includes expanding grantmaking, strengthening storytelling, and deepening partnerships across Africa, India, and beyond.
The opportunity is clear: redefine natural diamonds’ place in a market increasingly dominated by lab-grown gemstones, shifting consumer values, and debates about authenticity vs. sustainability. If DDG continues to push only one narrative, it risks losing credibility with younger buyers. If it embraces nuance, it could evolve into a true voice of accountability.