Dimexon’s GM of strategic brands and sustainability is selected to be part of a Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 campaign to amplify the voices of female leaders in the diamond industry.
As part of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030’s latest campaign, #WatchMe, Dimexon general manager of strategic brands and sustainability Morgane Winterholer has been recognised for her contributions to empowering women in the luxury industry.
The campaign, which launched in January 2025 in conjunction with the World Economic Forum in Davos, spotlights exceptional women who are reshaping the traditionally male-dominated watch and jewellery sectors. Through their leadership, these women are breaking barriers and challenging norms, making way for a more inclusive and diverse future.
As part of the #WatchMe campaign, Morgane gave an interview sharing her insights on career growth, industry transformation, and the importance of gender equality in the luxury sector.
What advice would you give to 21-year-old Morgane just starting out in her career?
“I would tell 21-year-old Morgane to trust her instincts more. At that age, I was following a predetermined path set out by my family that led me to study engineering and embark on a career in the tech industry. While I learned a lot, and I certainly don’t regret my choices, I didn’t fully listen to myself or follow my own curiosity. Perhaps if I had, I would have found my way to the luxury industry sooner. So, my advice for my younger self – and any young person starting out in their career – would be to take note of what excites you, and trust your inner voice, as it often knows the right direction better than you realise. Also, understand that careers aren’t linear. You will face moments where you find yourself stepping sideways, or even backwards, and that’s OK. In fact, it might be necessary to help you to grow in ways you didn’t expect.”
If you could change one thing about the way our industry operates to empower women, what would it be?
“I believe we should move beyond assigning roles based on gender. The diamond and luxury industries, and beyond, should focus on individuals’ strengths, without the often-subliminal bias of ‘this role is for men’ or ‘this role is for women’. True inclusivity requires us to break down these barriers and allow everyone to explore and grow in areas where they excel, regardless of their gender or gender bias applied to roles. I’m not a fan of quotas or forced diversity metrics; instead, we should create environments where talents naturally rise, fostering empowerment organically.”
What can other sectors within the luxury industry learn from the way the diamond industry empowers women, and vice versa?
“Education is a cornerstone of empowerment in the diamond industry. Our sector has proven its enthusiasm to invest in developing skills – whether it’s through developing or funding STEM programmes targeted specifically at women and girls, such as De Beers’ Building Forever scheme that aims to engage 10,000 girls in STEM subjects by 2030. Or through vocational training that opens up career paths and new possibilities; at Dimexon we provide extensive on-the-job training, often flying staff from India to Europe to upskill, as well as offering funding to staff for general higher education studies. Other luxury sectors can emulate this focus on building foundational skills. This is what will help women to grow and flourish, and to feel empowered.”
Find out more about the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 here.
