The International Gemological Institute (IGI), a global leader in gem certification and a key authority in the jewelry world, is poised for a significant leadership transition. The publicly traded grading lab announced it is set to welcome a towering figure from the diamond world to its helm: Anoop Mehta. A revered 50-year industry veteran and the current president of the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai, Mehta has been appointed as the new Chairman and Independent Director, a move signaling a strategic focus on deep industry expertise and visionary growth.
Mehta’s career is a rich tapestry of influence and leadership that has shaped the global diamond trade for decades. His journey, spanning five decades, provides him with a holistic perspective, from the ground-level intricacies of running his own firm, Mohit Diamonds, to navigating complex international policies. His invaluable contributions extend to his pivotal roles on the executive committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), where he helped guide global trade standards, and on the committee of administration for India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the nation’s most important trade body.
However, Mehta’s most defining legacy is cemented by his instrumental role in the conceptualization and development of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). More than just a building, the BDB is the world’s largest and most sophisticated diamond exchange, a state-of-the-art complex that centralized India’s trade, enhanced security, and solidified Mumbai’s position as the undisputed hub of the international diamond industry. In recognition of this monumental achievement and his lifelong contributions, the GJEPC honored Mehta with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, a testament to his transformative impact.
His appointment to IGI is therefore seen as a strategic masterstroke, bringing a leader with a proven track record of building world-class institutions. His experience is expected to be crucial as IGI navigates a dynamic market, addressing challenges and opportunities ranging from the rise of lab-grown diamonds to the ever-growing need for consumer trust and technological innovation in grading.
The news was met with unanimous praise from industry leaders who have witnessed his capabilities firsthand. “I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mr. Anoop Mehta on his new role as chairman of IGI,” said Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the GJEPC, in a formal statement. “His reputation precedes him. I am confident that his extensive experience and strong, steady leadership will steer IGI to a successful and innovative future.” This sentiment echoes throughout the global trade, where Mehta is respected for his integrity and foresight.
As a final procedural step, Mehta’s appointment is pending formal approval from the institute’s shareholders, after which he will officially take the chair and begin to implement his vision for the next chapter of the International Gemological Institute.
