Appointment
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.”
Appointment
Ronnie VanderLinden Appointed WDC President, Anoop Mehta Named VP
VanderLinden Stressed That The WDC’s Role Is To Help Build Confidence In Natural Diamonds and Support The Trade Globally
The World Diamond Council (WDC) has appointed Ronnie VanderLinden as its new President and diamantaire Anoop Mehta, Convenor – Diamond Panel, GJEPC, as Vice President. VanderLinden succeeds Feriel Zerouki, who was named Honorary WDC President during the AGM.
Speaking at the WDC Annual General Meeting held on 7th May 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium, VanderLinden said:
“Global natural diamond industry must unite behind a clear and consistent narrative at a time of weaker demand, growing competition, and fragmented messaging. We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds.”
VanderLinden said, stressing that the WDC’s role is to help build confidence in natural diamonds and support the trade globally. VanderLinden emphasized that the industry needs to clearly communicate the value proposition of natural diamonds, particularly their contribution to producing nations and communities. According to him, provenance, responsible sourcing, and the positive socio-economic impact of diamond mining will remain central to the industry’s messaging strategy.
He also reaffirmed the importance of the Kimberley Process (KP) in safeguarding consumer confidence. VanderLinden said the WDC would continue efforts to update the definition of conflict diamonds so that it reflects the reality of today’s risks and strengthens confidence in natural diamonds.
Joining VanderLinden in the WDC leadership team is newly appointed Vice President Anoop Mehta, whom he described as “a pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade.”
The AGM also saw David Bonaparte elected as Treasurer, while Udi Sheintal was re-elected as Secretary.
-
National News7 hours agoGJC Delegation Meets RBI Deputy Governor, Makes GMS Presentation
-
BrandBuzz7 hours agoPuducherry CM, Raashi Khanna Inaugurate Challani Jewellery Mart Flagship Showroom In Puducherry
-
New Premises11 hours agoMarli New York Unveils Madison Avenue Flagship Boutique
-
National News11 hours agoFather’s Day Gift Guide – Reia Diamonds: Timeless Diamonds For The Man Who’s Always Been Your Constant
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.