Appointment
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.
Appointment
Jillian Wolk Named CEO of De Beers’ Tracr
Former GIA and Swarovski Executive To Lead Next Phase Of Growth and Traceability Innovation From May 2026
Tracr has announced the appointment of Jillian Wolk as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026. She will be based in New York and work closely with Tracr’s global team and stakeholder network.
Jillian joins from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where she served as Vice President, Growth & Strategic Initiatives, driving new service development, diversified revenue streams, and industry-wide grading initiatives. Her prior collaboration with Tracr gives her a strong understanding of the platform’s mission and capabilities.
Earlier, she held senior roles including Vice President of Business Operations at Swarovski U.S., where she led multi-business operations and key brand and operational initiatives across the Americas. Her expertise spans commercial leadership, governance, and technology-driven innovation.
Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading at De Beers Group, said, “Jillian brings a strong combination of industry knowledge, commercial leadership and strategic insight. Her experience across jewellery, technology and governance positions her well to lead Tracr into its next phase.”
Jillian Wolk added, “I am honoured to join Tracr and help shape its future as a vital storytelling tool for the diamond industry. With its leading technology platform and industry network, Tracr plays a key role in driving trust, transparency and confidence across the sector.”
Her appointment follows the departure of Wesley Tucker, who stepped down in February 2026 after leading the company through its formative and scaling phases.
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