Appointment
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.
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.
WGC-IIGJ Talks Explore Roadmap For Gold Innovation & Global Reach
Platinum Guild International India Announces The 2026 Edition Of ‘Platinum Season Of Love’
Sennes by Senco Gold & Diamonds Launches First Exclusive LGD Jewellery Store In Gaur City Mall, Noida
AKSHAY TRITIYA 2026 – Healthy Footfalls, Jewellery Sales Across India, Estimated 18–20 Tonnes Of Business Recorded
Precious Metals at the Crossroads – Geopolitics, Inflation, and Key Technical Levels AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
WGC-IIGJ Talks Explore Roadmap For Gold Innovation & Global Reach
-
National News1 day agoAKSHAY TRITIYA 2026 – Healthy Footfalls, Jewellery Sales Across India, Estimated 18–20 Tonnes Of Business Recorded
-
International News10 hours agoPrecious Metals at the Crossroads – Geopolitics, Inflation, and Key Technical Levels AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
-
National News1 day agoAkshaya Tritiya 2026:Indian Consumers Balanced Record-High Prices With Age-Old Traditions
-
Education54 minutes agoWGC-IIGJ Talks Explore Roadmap For Gold Innovation & Global Reach
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.