Vikram Merchant has been appointed by Rio Tinto Diamonds (RTD) as its new Indian representative office manager. He will assume office from 14 July 2008. Prior to this, Merchant has worked with RTD in Antwerp, London and Mumbai. His qualifications are supported by a sound knowledge base on polished markets, with 28 years of experience in rough and polished diamonds. He has been closely associated at the time of the introduction of Argyle in 1980's.