Early Life and Family
Dan Gertler was born on December 23, 1973, into a prominent diamond dealing family in Israel. His grandfather, Moshe Schnitzer, founded the Israel Diamond Exchange. Gertler's father, Asher Gertler, managed the family's diamond business. From a young age, Dan was immersed in the diamond trade, learning the intricacies of the business from his father and grandfather.
Rise to Success
At age 22, Gertler launched his own diamond business. He saw an opportunity to break the De Beers monopoly by securing an independent supply of rough diamonds. This ambition led him to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the late 1990s, where he would establish a significant presence. Gertler’s close relationship with then-President Joseph Kabila played a key role in his early success. He secured an exclusive diamond export contract.
Key Business Strategies
Gertler's business strategy involved leveraging his relationships to gain access to valuable mining rights and resources. His involvement in the DRC expanded to include copper, cobalt, and other minerals, where he formed partnerships and negotiated deals, often facing allegations of corruption and underpayment for assets. Gertler’s company, Fleurette Group, controlled mining concessions.
Philanthropy
In 2004, Gertler established the Gertler Family Foundation (GFF). This foundation invests in various projects in the DRC, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and cultural initiatives. The GFF partners with local government agencies and charitable organizations to implement its programs.
