GIA Enters a New Era: Technology and Operations Virtuoso Pritesh Patel to Succeed Susan Jacques as President and CEO
In a landmark decision that signals a strategic pivot towards a future defined by technological innovation and operational excellence, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced a significant leadership transition. On August 4th, the mantle of President and Chief Executive Officer will be passed to Pritesh Patel, a seasoned executive who has served as the Institute’s Chief Operations Officer since 2017. This move marks the culmination of a carefully planned succession, as Patel prepares to take the helm from the venerable Susan M. Jacques, who has masterfully guided the organization for over a decade.
This is not merely a changing of the guard; it is a profound statement about the direction of GIA and, by extension, the entire global gem and jewelry industry. In an age where data, traceability, and digital transformation are paramount, the appointment of a leader with deep roots in information technology and complex global operations is a clear indicator of GIA’s forward-looking strategy.
Susan Jacques, who has been the steadfast face of GIA since she assumed the role in mid-2013, will not be making an abrupt departure. In a move that underscores the stability and collaborative spirit of the transition, she will remain with the Institute as a strategic adviser through the end of the year. This ensures a seamless handover of knowledge and responsibilities, allowing Patel to benefit from her immense experience while he charts the course for GIA’s next chapter. Her continued presence provides a bridge between a legacy of trust-building and a future of innovation.
The Ascent of a Modern Leader: The Journey of Pritesh Patel
Pritesh Patel is no newcomer to the intricate world of GIA. His journey to the top has been a testament to his strategic impact and deep understanding of the Institute’s complex machinery. He first joined the organization in 2015, stepping into the critical role of Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this capacity, he was tasked with modernizing GIA’s vast and vital IT infrastructure—a network that underpins everything from its global laboratory services and cutting-edge research to its world-renowned educational programs. He fortified the Institute’s digital defenses, streamlined data management, and began laying the technological groundwork for future growth.
His success as CIO was undeniable. Recognizing his exceptional leadership and operational acumen, the GIA Board of Governors promoted him just two years later to the dual role of Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer (COO). This expanded his purview dramatically, placing him in charge of GIA’s core global operations. As COO, Patel has been the architect behind the scenes, orchestrating the complex ballet of GIA’s 11 laboratories, 7 schools, and numerous research centers spread across 13 countries. He has been responsible for ensuring that every one of the millions of diamonds and gemstones submitted annually is graded with the unwavering consistency, integrity, and precision that the world has come to expect from GIA. Streamlining logistics, enhancing efficiency, and scaling operations to meet ever-growing global demand have been the hallmarks of his tenure.
Before bringing his expertise to the gem world, Patel honed his skills in industries where precision and reliability are matters of life and death. He served as Vice President of Information Technology for CIRCOR International, a global manufacturer of highly engineered flow control products. His work there supported the aerospace, industrial, defense, and energy sectors—fields where failure is not an option and where complex, global supply chains require flawless execution. This background provided him with a unique perspective on managing high-stakes operations, a skill set that has proven invaluable at GIA, an organization whose entire existence is predicated on accuracy and public trust.
Patel’s technical and operational prowess is complemented by a strong foundation in business strategy, holding an MBA from the prestigious Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. This combination makes him a uniquely qualified leader for GIA’s future—a leader who speaks the language of both technology and global business, who understands both the algorithm and the balance sheet.
The Legacy of a Trailblazer: The Susan Jacques Era
Susan Jacques’s departure from the CEO role marks the end of a transformative era for GIA. Over her eleven-year tenure, she has navigated the Institute through some of the most dynamic and challenging periods in the industry’s history. She brought a steady hand and a clear vision, reinforcing GIA’s mission to protect all consumers and ensure their trust in gems and jewelry.
Under her leadership, GIA significantly expanded its digital offerings, launching initiatives like the GIA Diamond Origin Report and the M2M (Mine to Market) program, which provide unprecedented transparency into a gemstone’s journey. She skillfully guided the Institute through the complexities of the burgeoning lab-grown diamond market, championing clear disclosure and developing advanced instrumentation to ensure that natural and laboratory-grown diamonds could be definitively distinguished. Her commitment to research and education has been unwavering, resulting in the expansion of GIA’s curriculum and the publication of groundbreaking studies that have benefited the entire trade.
In a statement that radiates warmth and confidence, Jacques celebrated the board’s decision. “I am delighted that the board of governors has selected Pritesh as my successor and the next leader of this amazing organization,” she said. “His past accomplishments and his vision for the future are truly inspiring. I, along with our GIA colleagues, will do everything we can to ensure his success.”
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A Rich History of Leadership
Pritesh Patel becomes the seventh president in GIA’s nearly century-long history, inheriting a legacy built by titans of the industry. He follows a lineage that begins with the visionary founder Robert M. Shipley (1931–1952), who established GIA with the revolutionary idea of professionalizing the American jewelry trade through education and gemological standards.
He is succeeded by the legendary Richard T. Liddicoat (1952–1983), often hailed as the “Father of Modern Gemology.” It was Liddicoat who, in the 1950s, developed and institutionalized the 4Cs of Diamond Quality (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight) and the International Diamond Grading System™—the universal language that remains the global standard for evaluating diamond quality to this day.
The torch was then carried by leaders like Glenn Nord (1983–1986) and William Boyajian (1986–2006), who oversaw periods of immense global expansion and technological advancement, solidifying GIA’s position as the world’s foremost gemological authority. They were followed by Donna M. Baker (2006–2013), who navigated the Institute through the global financial crisis and laid the groundwork for further digital integration. Susan M. Jacques (2013–2024) built upon this foundation, leading GIA into its modern, globally interconnected era.
Now, as Pritesh Patel (2024–) prepares to write his own chapter, he does so with a deep respect for this history, yet with his eyes fixed firmly on the horizon. The challenges and opportunities of the 21st century—from the rise of artificial intelligence in grading to the increasing consumer demand for ethical sourcing and verifiable provenance—will require a leader of his unique caliber. His appointment is not just a change in personnel; it is the embodiment of GIA’s commitment to evolve, to innovate, and to continue fulfilling its sacred mission of protecting the public trust for the next 100 years. The world of gems and jewelry will be watching.
