Appoinment
Pritesh Patel appointed as President and CEO of GIA

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the appointment of Pritesh Patel as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2025. Patel, who currently serves as GIA’s Chief Operating Officer, will take over the role from Susan M. Jacques, who will retire at the end of this year after more than a decade in the leadership position
The announcement follows a global search by GIA’s Board of Governors and marks a significant leadership transition at the nearly century-old institution. Patel becomes one of the few leaders to rise through the institute’s ranks, having joined GIA in 2015 as Chief Information Officer before being promoted to COO in 2017.
In his new role, Patel will lead GIA’s global operations, which span education, laboratory services, research, and instrument development. Outgoing CEO Susan Jacques, who has been with GIA in various leadership capacities for over 30 years, will continue as a strategic advisor until her formal retirement in December 2025. During her tenure, Jacques oversaw GIA’s navigation through major industry and global shifts — including the rise of lab-grown diamonds, the COVID-19 pandemic, and evolving consumer expectations — all while reinforcing the institute’s core mission of protecting public trust in gems and jewellery.
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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