Appoinment
Amit Pratihari appointed GIA India MD
GIA India Laboratory Pvt Ltd has appointed Amit Pratihari as its Managing Director, effective October 1, 2025. In his new role. He will oversee the operations of GIA’s gemological laboratories in Mumbai and Surat, along with the GIA India School in Mumbai, bringing his extensive experience from De Beers and Forevermark to strengthen the institute’s presence in India’s growing diamond market.
Pratihari brings with him more than 20 years of experience across retail, brand management, and the diamond sector. Most recently, he headed De Beers India and Forevermark India, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the brands’ presence in India and the Middle East. His career spans key leadership positions at De Beers retail in India, preceded by a decade in consumer-focused retail and brand strategy.
GIA India said his proven expertise and leadership will be vital in reinforcing the institute’s mission of ensuring public trust in gems and jewellery, particularly as India’s role in the global diamond market continues to expand.

“Amit’s deep experience in retail and brand management, including more than a decade in the diamond industry, make him ideally suited to build on the success and importance of the GIA India laboratories,’ said Sriram Natarajan, a director on the GIA India board and senior vice president of laboratory operations for the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA), the parent organization of GIA India. “His expertise in strategic growth and team leadership is especially relevant given India’s importance to the global diamond market and its emerging role as a key consumer market.”
Commenting on his new position,Amit Pratihari said, “I am deeply honored to join GIA India. GIA India is a vital part of the diamond industry in India and around the world. I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of GIA India.”

Appoinment
Natural Diamond Council appoints Amber Pepper as CEO
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) today announced the appointment of Amber Pepper as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2026.A seasoned global leader in luxury brand transformation, Pepper brings a wealth of experience in driving commercial growth, digital innovation, and consumer-centric storytelling across some of the world’s most respected fashion and retail brands, including senior roles at Tapestry, Farfetch, and Harrods. Most recently she has served as Chief Marketing and Customer Officer and Managing Director at luxury digital platform Mytheresa.
In her new role, Pepper will focus on shaping a compelling narrative that reinforces the desirability of natural diamonds and drives measurable commercial outcomes. She will strengthen consumer demand and industry partnerships, while ensuring natural diamonds remain distinct and relevant in a competitive landscape. A key priority will be expanding digital engagement with younger consumers and using data-driven insights to create marketing strategies that inspire emotional connection and long-term loyalty.
A seasoned global leader in luxury brand transformation, Pepper brings a wealth of experience in driving commercial growth, digital innovation, and consumer-centric storytelling across some of the world’s most respected fashion and retail brands.
Pepper’s work has consistently focused on building emotionally resonant brands and connecting with Gen Z and luxury consumers across global markets. Her experience in leading omnichannel strategies and building high-performing teams will be central to guiding the NDC’s next phase of growth.

Sandrine Conseiller, Chair of the NDC, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Amber as the new CEO of the Natural Diamond Council. Her global perspective, commercial expertise, and deep understanding of luxury consumers make her an exceptional choice to lead the Council and galvanise the industry.”
The appointment follows the announcement that current CEO David Kellie will retire at the end of this year. Since joining the NDC in 2019, Kellie has overseen the Council’s re-brand from the Diamond Producers Association to the Natural Diamond Council. He strengthened relationships across the industry and navigated the organisation through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
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