The World Gemological Institute (WGI) announced the appointment of Barak Green as Vice President, Strategy & Development for the United States. In addition, the Gemological and Research Institute announced its plans to offer informative presentations at trade shows and industry events throughout 2008 to communicate the benefits of World Gemological Institute diamond grading reports and services.%%Barak Green has previously worked for the Gemological Institute of America, where he was a key member of the team that developed GIA’s new diamond cut grading system. “We are very happy to have Barak Green as our main representative for the United States market, “ said Yinon Feldheim, CEO for the World Gemological Institute. “I believe his previous experience in industry-related education and public speaking will greatly help to communicate the benefits of our services as we expand into new markets.,” he added.%%“I look forward to this new and exciting opportunity,” said Barak Green, “the diamond industry has always been a fast-paced environment, but as we enter the 21st century I believe that new technologies and creative branding initiatives will spark a further evolution of the market that the World Gemological Institute is committed to promoting. The World Gemological Institute is embarking on a new phase of expansion, and we hope to meet with as many retailers as possible in the coming months, so that we can communicate the exciting advantages of using diamond grading reports and other gemological services from the World Gemological Institute,” Green added.