Mr. D. Wayne Howard
Independent Director
Mr. Howard is a leadership expert and results-oriented executive with a creative, entrepreneurial approach to business issues and extensive experience as an international board member, with global experience with several NYSE listed companies. He has a demonstrated ability to improve profitability for companies by developing new strategies for growing revenues, reducing costs and improving operations. He has held various senior executive positions over his extensive career including VP Finance, Executive Vice President Global Operations, Director of Marketing and Sales and business owner. Mr. Howard has extensive knowledge of the diamond industry and well-established relationships with key industry players. Most recently and prior to his recent retirement, Mr. Howard held various executive level positions at Tiffany & Co., including Divisional Vice President Diamond Supply - Operations Officer, Divisional Vice President Jewelry Supply - Operations Officer, and Vice President of Manufacturing. He is also currently Managing Director for NY based Peale Davies, an independent advisory firm that provides strategic and financial advice on acquisitions, private capital solutions, restructurings, M&A, and growth initiatives. His extensive career has also included positions as Vice President of sourcing and logistics with Cerberus Capital Management Portfolio Company, Profit Improvement consultant with DWH Solutions, as well as Executive Vice President of Global Operations for New York based International Flavors & Fragrances where he successfully improved return on invested capital, lowered costs, and successfully integrated the operations of a $1.0B acquisition. He has also served as Vice President of other NYSE listed companies including luxury retailer Nordstrom, and Unilever - Lipton. Mr. Howard has an Honours degree in Business Administration from Ivey Business School at Western University and has completed PMD at Harvard Business School.