Joanne Lim: A New Chapter at Edinburgh Assay Office
Earlier this year, we announced the appointment of our new Deacon, Joanne Lim.
Joanne steps into this historic role following the retirement of Tom Murray after thirteen years of service as Deacon.
The Incorporation of Goldsmiths trades as Edinburgh Assay Office (EAO), where items of precious metal have been tested and hallmarked since 1457. Edinburgh Assay Office has built an international reputation for excellence in our field, safeguarding consumers and guaranteeing the precious metal content of every item that carries our iconic Edinburgh Castle Hallmark. We have become known for our award-winning innovation, from online tracking and vendor management systems to our integrated third-party logistics systems for e-commerce and the online Trustmark for jewellery, Assay Assured.
As the first female Deacon, Joanne’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the Incorporation’s 560-year history. This appointment brings inspiration and a fresh perspective as we embark on a new chapter.
Joanne has a long-established, international career in the luxury goods industry, with leading roles at Diageo and Tiffany & Co. Joanne currently serves as Group Indirect Tax Director at Diageo.
In her first address as Deacon, Joanne noted how mindful she is of the long history of the Incorporation, and how entwined this is with the City of Edinburgh. With Joanne’s appointment as the first female Deacon and first foreign-born Deacon of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths, she creates a further legacy for the Incorporation.
To mark this exciting moment in our history, we caught up with Joanne to gain insight into her new perspective and vision for the future as she takes on this role.
What interested you in joining the Incorporation of Goldsmiths?
I’ve always believed that small can be beautiful. When I first met Scott, I was still working with Tiffany & Co. By then, I had visited and worked with several assay office set-ups across the UK and internationally–Spain, France, Russia, the Netherlands and more. Among these offices, Edinburgh Assay Office, under Scott Walter’s leadership, stood out as one of the most forward-thinking offices, understanding the supply chain needs of modern jewellers and consumers. I wanted to be a part of that, and was honoured when I was invited to be a Warden. Of course, there was an emotional tie for me–I am married to a Scotsman, and as life would have it, we moved from London to Edinburgh during COVID to be closer to my in-laws. So, Edinburgh is now my home.
What values guide your leadership?
Courage to make the most difficult of decisions swiftly, and respect for the most junior of staff.
What vision do you have for the Incorporation of Goldsmiths?
The Incorporation, trading as the more publicly-known Edinburgh Assay Office, is fundamentally involved in consumer protection. We also inherit a rich history, and have a chance to build upon that story in new ways.
I envision us incorporating hallmarking into the broader concept of traceability. Imagine: traceability that is one-click for the consumer, built upon an impartial and robust behind-the-scenes process. Elegant design, whether in jewellery or in systems, is notoriously difficult to achieve. Take, for example, the one-click ordering that first made Amazon so successful. This went through many iterations before it became truly ‘one-click’. I am very motivated by finding solutions for difficult consumer problems like this.
What impact do you hope to make during your time as Deacon?
In my Deacon’s Address when I took office, I said that my day job involves parsing pompous words for meaning, so I come with simple ones. As Deacon, I promise to lead with integrity and a steady hand. My goal is simple: to ensure the Incorporation continues to thrive.
What is one thing you are most proud of?
The ability to cross-fertilise ideas from vastly different industries and cultural contexts.