The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the appointment of Pritesh Patel as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2025. Patel, who currently serves as GIA’s Chief Operating Officer, will take over the role from Susan M. Jacques, who will retire at the end of this year after more than a decade in the leadership position
The announcement follows a global search by GIA’s Board of Governors and marks a significant leadership transition at the nearly century-old institution. Patel becomes one of the few leaders to rise through the institute’s ranks, having joined GIA in 2015 as Chief Information Officer before being promoted to COO in 2017.
In his new role, Patel will lead GIA’s global operations, which span education, laboratory services, research, and instrument development. “It is the honour of a lifetime to lead an institution as trusted and iconic as GIA,” Patel said. “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.”
Outgoing CEO Susan Jacques, who has been with GIA in various leadership capacities for over 30 years, will continue as a strategic advisor until her formal retirement in December 2025. During her tenure, Jacques oversaw GIA’s navigation through major industry and global shifts — including the rise of lab-grown diamonds, the COVID-19 pandemic, and evolving consumer expectations — all while reinforcing the institute’s core mission of protecting public trust in gems and jewellery.
The GIA Board expressed strong confidence in Patel’s appointment. Lisa A. Locklear, Chair of the GIA Board of Governors, said, “Pritesh’s experience and understanding of both the industry and GIA’s mission position him well to lead the Institute forward.”
Before joining GIA, Patel held leadership roles in the manufacturing and technology sectors, including serving as Vice President of Information Technology at CIRCOR International Inc. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
Founded in 1931, GIA is globally recognised for establishing gem grading standards, including the 4Cs of diamond quality — Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight — and the International Diamond Grading System™. As an independent non-profit, the Institute continues to play a central role in gemological education, research, and consumer protection.
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