The India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) and SAARTHI 360 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch ‘NextGen CEO: Leadership for the Future’, an executive education programme designed to prepare the next generation of jewellery manufacturers for CEO and senior leadership roles in family-owned businesses.

The programme will help emerging leaders move beyond day-to-day operations by strengthening their strategic thinking, leadership judgement and managerial capabilities to improve organisational performance and support sustainable growth.

Building the Next Generation of Jewellery Business Leaders

Centred on ‘NextGen CEO — Becoming the CEO of a Family Jewellery Business’, the programme addresses leadership succession and executive decision-making in family-owned jewellery enterprises.

• Understanding the CEO’s role: Defining a CEO’s responsibilities and expectations in a jewellery business.
• Clarifying leadership and governance roles: Distinguishing among an owner, promoter, director, managing director and CEO.
• Strategic leadership versus daily operations: Moving from routine management to long-term business direction and priorities.
• Decision-making and strategic thinking: Applying structured frameworks to complex business situations.
• Managing stakeholders: Navigating relationships with family members, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.
• Performance measurement: Using a CEO dashboard to monitor performance and support informed decisions.
• The first 100 days as CEO: Establishing priorities for the transition into executive leadership.
• Second-generation leadership challenges: Addressing succession, authority, accountability and organisational change.
• Ethics and integrity: Building trust through responsible leadership, sound governance and ethical decision-making.

Surendra Mehta, National Secretary, IBJA, said:

“Family-owned jewellery businesses play a significant role in India’s gems and jewellery industry. As these businesses grow and prepare for generational transitions, developing capable and confident future leaders becomes increasingly important. Through this initiative, we aim to help the next generation build the clarity, discipline and leadership capabilities needed to take their businesses forward while preserving the strengths of their family legacy.”

Binit Bhatt, Partner, SAARTHI 360, said:

“Becoming a CEO is about much more than inheriting a title. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset—from managing day-to-day operations to setting direction, making informed decisions, building accountability and earning the confidence of family members, employees and other stakeholders. The NextGen CEO programme is designed to equip emerging leaders with practical frameworks and perspectives that they can apply to the realities of their own businesses.”

Hitesh Khandelwal, Partner, SAARTHI 360, said:

“Jewellery businesses are navigating an important generational transition, where preserving a strong legacy must go hand in hand with professional management and strategic thinking. Through NextGen CEO, we aim to help emerging leaders develop the confidence, capabilities and business perspective required to lead effectively, drive sustainable growth and prepare their organisations for the future.”