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IGI Appoints John Pollard to Head of Education January 10, 2022 (0 comments)

Antwerp, Belgium—The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, has named John Pollard senior director of education, a newly created role.

Pollard will oversee and expand the institute’s educational offerings and diploma programs, currently taught at 14 schools of gemology around the world and including a wide array of gemstone grading and jewelry design courses, interactive eLearning and instructional seminars and webinars.

“I am pleased that John is taking on this important role,” said Roland Lorie, IGI CEO. “At IGI we have always felt a responsibility to provide proper gemological education to all who choose to enter this field. Only then can we have a strong industry, trusted by consumers. For over 40 years we have educated tens of thousands of people and we intend to continue reaching more people in more places, increasing knowledge and confidence among professionals and consumers alike.”

Pollard has collaborated on projects with IGI for more than a decade. In 2020 he began designing curriculum and training for an increasing number of the institute’s clients, including leading luxury brands. He has been a regular consultant for diamond producers, sellers, and grading laboratories, domestic and overseas, and has instructed educational seminars at JCK Las Vegas, the American Gem Society Conclave, the Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association, and IGI trade conferences in Beijing and Shanghai, China. Since 2005 he has been educating industry professionals and consumers alike, holding management roles with companies in both traditional and eCommerce sectors, and recently serving as director of education for PriceScope.com.

A former Texas public school educator, Pollard holds degrees in education, gemology, and music. Twice honored with his district Education Foundation’s Award of Excellence, he remains active in youth education advocacy on a national level, holding a position on the Board of Directors of Music For All, America’s largest and most influential music education organization.