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CARLSBAD, CA--The Gemological Institute of America, Inc. has named Pritesh Patel, currently GIA’s Chief Operating Officer, as its new president and CEO, effective August 4. Patel succeeds Susan M. Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO since 2014. Jacques will continue at GIA as a strategic advisor until her retirement at the end of 2025, GIA said in a statement. 

“Pritesh’s outstanding experience, character and understanding of the industry and the Institute are exceptionally well-suited to build upon GIA’s nearly 100 years of service to the industry and consumers, leading GIA to even greater successes,” said Lisa A. Locklear, chair of the GIA Board of Governors. “The Board of Governors, GIA’s global teams, the gem and jewelry industry and consumers owe great thanks to Susan Jacques. Her compassionate, visionary and unwavering leadership during 12 years as CEO and 30 years as a Governor and Board Chair leaves GIA well-positioned to meet the opportunities and challenges of today and those that will come in the future.”

Jacques said, “I’ve been associated with GIA for most of my adult life, first as a student, then as a Governor and as CEO for the last 12 years. I have always been a passionate advocate for GIA, its important mission of trust and its unique role as an industry leader in the global gem and jewelry industry. I am delighted that the Board of Governors has selected Pritesh as my successor and the next leader of this amazing organization. I, along with our GIA colleagues, will do everything we can to ensure his success. I am confident that GIA’s best days are ahead.”

Patel added, “It is the honor of a lifetime to lead an institution as trusted and iconic as GIA. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in the industry—people who live our mission every day. I’m inspired by GIA’s legacy of excellence and integrity, and I’m committed to building on that foundation with humility, purpose and a bold vision for the future.”

During her tenure as CEO, Jacques is credited by GIA with leading the organization through significant changes in the industry, global economic and political shifts, disruptions, changing consumer preferences and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“She safeguarded the Institute’s reputation for integrity and independence and maintained a steadfast focus on GIA’s mission to uphold consumer confidence in gems and jewelry,” the GIA statement reads. “She is a tireless advocate for GIA’s extensive research program, industry-leading education initiatives, specialized instrument development and scientifically backed, reliable laboratory services.”

Patel worked in several companies as a systems technician and information technology manager before joining the GIA in 2015 as its chief information officer, according to his LinkedIn page. In 2017, he was promoted to senior VP and chief operating. As COO, he was responsible for operational strategy, planning, developing and implementing innovative solutions. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

GIA said its board of governors and a CEO search committee conducted a global search, considering candidates within GIA, from the gem and jewelry industry and those with other relevant expertise and experience.