ICA Charts a Bold Future: Damien Cody Returns to Lead Diverse New 2025 Global Board
The global colored gemstone industry is entering a new chapter of leadership and strategic direction. The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the world’s leading authority on colored gemstones, has officially announced its 2025 Board of Directors. The election, a cornerstone event held during the vibrant ICA Congress in Brazil this past May, marks a pivotal moment for the organization, blending seasoned leadership with a fresh infusion of global talent. In a move signaling stability and continued vision, Australia’s Damien Cody has been re-elected to serve as the group’s president, ready to steer the association through the dynamic challenges and opportunities of the coming years.
The biennial election process is a fundamental part of the ICA’s governance, designed to ensure the board remains dynamic, representative, and responsive to the needs of its international membership. This year’s results reflect a carefully balanced assembly of leadership, with several former directors resuming their critical duties alongside a slate of new, influential figures from key gemstone hubs across the globe. This strategic blend of continuity and renewal is set to energize the ICA’s mission to promote ethical practices, transparency, and the universal appreciation of colored gemstones.
Damien Cody Returns to the Helm: A Vision of Stability and Growth
The re-election of Damien Cody as President is a significant endorsement of his leadership. A respected figure in the international gemstone community and a stalwart of the Australian opal industry, Cody’s return to the presidency provides a steady hand at a time of global economic shifts and evolving consumer demands. His previous tenure was marked by a commitment to strengthening member engagement and championing the unique stories behind colored gemstones.
Under his guidance, the ICA is expected to continue its focus on key initiatives, including:
- Promoting Ethical Sourcing: Reinforcing the importance of transparent and responsible supply chains from mine to market.
- Education and Advocacy: Providing resources for both trade professionals and consumers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of gemstones.
- Global Market Development: Exploring new markets and strengthening the position of natural colored gemstones against the backdrop of an increasingly complex marketplace.
Cody’s leadership style, known for being collaborative and forward-thinking, will be crucial in uniting a board with such diverse geographical and professional backgrounds. His re-appointment is seen not just as a continuation of past successes but as a commitment to an ambitious and prosperous future for the entire colored gemstone sector.
Meet the New Architects of the ICA’s Future: The 2025 Board of Directors
The strength of the ICA lies in its global representation, and the newly elected 2025 board is a testament to this principle. The board is a mosaic of industry experts, each bringing a unique perspective from their respective corners of the world, ensuring that the ICA’s strategies are truly global in scope and impact.
<h4>The Executive Powerhouse: New Officers Take Their Posts</h4>
Supporting President Cody is a newly appointed team of officers, a powerhouse of experience tasked with the day-to-day governance and strategic execution of the ICA’s agenda. This executive committee is poised to drive the association’s initiatives forward with precision and passion.
The new officers are:
- Ioannis Alexandris (Germany), Vice President: A prominent voice from the European market, Alexandris brings a wealth of experience in high-end gem dealing and jewelry.
- Captain Ramji Sharma (Japan), Vice President: Representing the influential Japanese market, Sharma’s expertise will be invaluable in navigating the nuances of Asian trade and consumer trends.
- Benedict Lavoie (Canada), Secretary: Lavoie’s North American perspective will be vital for member communications and organizational governance.
- Lucas Amelung (USA), Secretary: Joining Lavoie, Amelung will help ensure the seamless administrative functioning of the board, representing the significant US market.
- Armil Samoon (Sri Lanka), Treasurer: Hailing from one of the world’s most important sources of fine gemstones, Samoon will oversee the financial stewardship of the association, a role of immense trust and responsibility.
This executive team is further strengthened by the inclusion of ICA CEO Doug Hucker and former ICA President Clement Sabbagh of Brazil, whose wisdom and historical perspective will provide essential continuity and counsel within the executive committee.
<h4>A Global Mosaic: Welcoming New Directors from Around the World</h4>
The lifeblood of any dynamic organization is the introduction of new ideas and energy. The 2025 board welcomes nine new directors, each a respected leader in their own right. Their election diversifies the board’s expertise and deepens its connection to critical gemstone sourcing, cutting, and trading centers.
The incoming directors are:
- Lucas Amelung (USA): A key figure from the United States, the world’s largest consumer market for gemstones.
- Ashoo Sinchawla (Thailand): Representing the global hub of gemstone cutting and trading, Sinchawla’s insights into the Bangkok market are indispensable.
- Himas Isab (Sri Lanka): From the legendary “Gem Island,” Isab brings deep knowledge of sapphire and other precious stone sourcing.
- Katherine Kovacs (Australia): Adding to the strong Australian contingent, Kovacs will champion the unique gems of the continent, from opals to diamonds.
- Manuela Soares (Brazil): As a representative of the host nation for the 2024 Congress, Soares embodies the rich and diverse gemological heritage of Brazil, a source for everything from emeralds to tourmalines.
- Arun Jain (India): Representing the cutting and manufacturing powerhouse of Jaipur, Jain’s perspective on high-volume trade is critical.
- Captain Ramji Sharma (Japan): In his dual role as Director and Vice President, Sharma underscores the importance of the discerning Japanese market.
- Saurabh Bansal (Germany): Based in the historic gem town of Idar-Oberstein, Bansal connects the board to Europe’s deep traditions of gem cutting and trade.
- Dacques Nini (USA): Further strengthening the US representation, Nini will provide crucial insights into American market dynamics.
Newly elected directors serve an initial two-year term and are eligible for re-election for an additional four-year term, a structure that encourages both fresh contributions and the development of long-term strategic leadership.
Navigating a Shifting Landscape: The CEO’s Perspective
Doug Hucker, the long-serving and respected CEO of the ICA, lauded the election results as a powerful step forward for the association. He emphasized that the infusion of new talent is not just a routine change but a strategic enhancement of the ICA’s capabilities.
“New elections also represent the addition of ideas, perspective and energy that will help the board navigate the challenges of the shifting landscape of global trade and ensure that all our members can prosper,” Hucker commented.
Hucker’s statement points directly to the core challenges the new board will face. This “shifting landscape” includes the rise of lab-grown stones, the increasing demand for verifiable provenance and ethical sourcing, the need for innovative marketing to engage younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, and the complexities of international trade regulations. The new board’s diverse composition is its greatest asset in tackling these multifaceted issues, ensuring that solutions are not one-size-fits-all but are tailored to the realities of different regional markets.
A Grateful Farewell to Departing Leaders
The transition also marks a moment to recognize the immense contributions of the outgoing board members. Their dedication and hard work have laid a strong foundation upon which the new board can build. The ICA extends its deepest gratitude to the following individuals for their service: Altaf Iqbal (Sri Lanka), Daniel Bronfen (Brazil), Duncan Mclauchlan (UK), Dwarka Prasad (India), Evan Caplan (US), Sushil Goyal (US), Mark Tremonti (Australia), Pearl Ng (UK), Phuket Khunaprapakorn (Thailand), and Rocco Gay (Italy). Their legacy of commitment to the colored gemstone industry will undoubtedly endure.
With its 2025 Board of Directors now in place, the International Colored Gemstone Association is exceptionally well-positioned to champion the beauty, rarity, and integrity of natural colored gemstones on the world stage. Under the proven leadership of Damien Cody and fueled by the collective expertise of a truly global board, the ICA is ready to embrace the future, turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring a brilliant and prosperous path forward for its members and the entire industry.
