Today we’d like to introduce you to Nilesh Chhabria
Hi Nilesh, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
An MBA in Marketing, I hail from a pure corporate background where I had an award-winning marketing profile in the digital media industry before entering the world of Gems, Jewellery & Diamonds. I worked with various global brands such as HSBC, HUL, Kelloggs and Fox to name a few and found the jewellery industry quite alluring. I drew on my experiences to set up a B2B jewellery brand where I made jewellery lines from brands in India, Europe and the Middle East) I successfully ran this premium international jewellery brand for 5 years before being appointed as the Chief Operating Officer at Finestar Diamonds & Jewellery in 2015. When I joined the organization, it was a family-owned-and-operated business and as we kept growing, I blended the existing system with the corporate culture as I knew that was required to scale effectively. I initiated a complete brand identity redesign and launched our website and app that gave us opportunities even in remote markets. I got involved in building the brand’s image and strengthening its communication with the mining companies and our clients. As of today, in addition to the typical role, I define and direct innovation and strategy and have been leading international growth opportunities, especially in marketing and sales. Being a tech enthusiast, I am inclined towards mobilizing technology initiatives involving Blockchain and implementing Artificial Intelligence [AI] to aid in decision-making due to which we could achieve selling high-value diamonds from an app and website across the globe- something that was unimaginable earlier. Today we have 4 manufacturing facilities in Botswana, Namibia, India and South Africa and our natural diamonds are supplied to luxury retailers and chain stores in the states and across the globe. I have spent nearly 15 years observing, understanding and navigating the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry and at present, my time is divided between the United States and India.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Professionally the challenges are mostly external meaning industry related. The Natural Diamond Industry has been dealing with challenges related to new regulations due to geo- political factors coupled with competition from lab grown diamonds [LGDs] and disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic. These circumstances have increased the need for innovative and proactive promotion of natural diamonds along with collaborations across the value chain.
On a personal note, when you divide your time between two multiple countries, it is challenging to balance your professional and personal life so I try to make the most of each opportunity I get.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Finestar is a leading natural diamond manufacturing organization that has grown over the last 25 years through its people, processes and technology. It has a presence in 9 countries, including 4 manufacturing facilities in India, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Responsible procuring, high ethical standards, transparency and technological prowess has resulted in a strong global manufacturing, marketing and distribution network. The company is passionate about creating a positive social impact and creates local opportunity, growth and impact in places and communities where it has a presence. Its goal of achieving carbon neutrality is being realized through multiple initiatives that will reduce its carbon footprint one diamond at a time.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I enjoy mentoring my marketing and sales teams across the world, concentrating on leadership training and business development. My two passions are working and working out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.finestardiamonds.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nileshchhabria/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nilesh.chhabria/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nileshchhabria
Image Credits
Photo 1 (Personal Photo): Nilesh Chhabria
Photo 2: Conclave Speaker at the American Gem Society’s (AGS) International Conclave2024 in Austin, TX.
Photo 3: Nilesh giving a tour of the Namibia Factory to dignitaries from the Namibian & Indian Governments, Namibia Diamond Trading Company [NDTC] and De Beers Group.
Others In the photo: H.E. Tom Alweendo, Hon. Minister of Mines & Energy [Namibia], Paul Rowley, Chairperson – NDTC Board, Executive Vice-President – Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, H.E. Prashant Agrawal, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Namibia and Brent Eiseb, CEO of NDTC at the opening of Finestar’s diamond manufacturing factory in Namibia.
Photo 4: Nilesh accepting the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED GOLD Certification for and at Finestar’s Manufacturing Facility in Surat [India].
Photo 5: Nilesh [R] with Vinod Jain [Founder & MD, Finestar] & Gaurav Jain [L] marking Finestar becoming Sightholder of the De Beers Group in 2018.
