Raj Kothari

Chief Commercial Officer & President, KLD

Raj Kothari, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the wholesale diamond, color stone, and jewelry industry, brings decades of expertise to Lugano and deep rooted connections in all aspects of the trade, including auctions, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and diverse media platforms. Raj handles large-volume transactions, demonstrating a keen understanding of contemporary pricing and quality across a broad spectrum of products, from modestly priced items to those valued in the eight figures, encompassing everything from pearls to emeralds to diamonds. With a global clientele, Raj provides invaluable insights into diverse buying patterns, enhancing Lugano’s strategic sourcing and sales strategies.

Assuming the position of Chief Commercial Officer at Lugano, Raj is tasked with optimizing operational efficiency within the organization. Additionally, he will serve as President of KLD, overseeing the entire supply chain from sourcing to pricing to design and manufacturing. Raj’s collaborative history with Moti Ferder, Lugano’s CEO and Co-Founder, spans over two decades, and his appointment will enable them to concentrate more fully on steering Lugano’s rapid expansion.

Before he started his professional career, Raj distinguished himself as a student leader at Boston University. He graduated with a dual major in economics and international relations, complemented by a minor in religion. Notably, Raj started an acapella group on campus, which continues to this day, reflecting his enduring impact.

Raj and his wife are deeply engaged in their children’s schools, actively contributing both time and financial resources to support various initiatives. They believe in giving back to their community, emphasizing the importance of local philanthropy.

Having trained extensively in Tae Kwon Do, Raj appreciates the mental discipline it has provided and relies on it to maintain his focus. His guiding principle, “There is a right path for each stage in life; try your best in each stage and commit to getting the most out of life, underscores Raj’s philosophy of holistic success. Outside of work, Raj loves spending time and being present with his family. Given the choice to live anywhere in the world, Raj would continue living in Los Angeles, where he cherishes the rich tapestry of connections, experiences, and community that define
his life there.