Appoinment
GIA Appoints Sriram Natarajan as Senior Vice President of Laboratory Operations
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has named Sriram “Ram” Natarajan as its new Senior Vice President of Laboratory Operations.
Sriram Natarajan, who previously served as Managing Director of GIA India Laboratory Private Limited, assumed his new role in early August at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, California, reporting to GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel.
In this capacity, Natarajan will oversee global laboratory operations, including diamond grading and jewellery services, and shape the vision and strategy for GIA’s expanding laboratory network.

“Ram is a dynamic leader closely attuned to GIA’s mission and the needs of our laboratory clients,” said Pritesh Patel, President and CEO, GIA. “As we continue to introduce new technologies and processes to advance efficiency, and develop new laboratory products and services, his expertise, insight and experience will be invaluable.”
Natarajan joined GIA India in 2017 as Vice President of Laboratory Operations and was elevated to Managing Director in 2020. In that role, he led education and laboratory initiatives across India, drawing on more than three decades of international operational and leadership experience.
“It is an honor to take on responsibility for overseeing GIA’s gemological laboratories,” Sriram Natarajan said. “I look forward to working with our teams and clients to deliver high-quality laboratory services and uphold the standards of excellence that GIA is known for.”

GIA said a new Managing Director for GIA India Laboratory Private Limited will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2025.
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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