Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

8 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Simply Abu Dhabi: What was your first job? Mr. Graff: To further my technical knowledge, I studied at the Gemological Institute of America, joining Graff Diamonds in 1986 where I worked in the manufacturing and retail operations of the company gaining experience across several key areas. I was then appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2004. Although a little obvious, what particularly inspired you to get into the jewellery industry? From an early age, I was intrigued by the diamond business. My father was in the process of establishing Graff Diamonds and there was an influx of Middle Eastern clients in London, who as is customary to their culture, conducted all of their business in the evenings. He used to come home and share stories with us about what he’d sold that day. I was fascinated and it captured my imagination to go forward and to be a part of the business. I was very proud of my father and what he was doing, and I was in awe of the incredible clientele and famous diamonds. What are your main objectives and responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer? We are continuously expanding our business and building our brand through retail expansion, developing our infrastructure, designing and creating new product lines and launching the Graff Diamonds brand into new markets. An interview with Francois Graff, Chief Executive Officer at Graff Diamonds Carved emerald and multishape diamond necklace (Diamonds 73.00 cts, Emeralds 151.53 cts)