National News
GJEPC announces Kirit Bhansali as Chairman, Shaunak Parikh as Vice Chairman and new Committee of Administration
Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the country’s apex nodal trade body, announced the appointment of Kirit Bhansali as Chairman; Shaunak Parikh as Vice Chairman and announced the constitution of new Committee of Administration (COA) after the completion of the COA Election 2024.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Our vision is to drive transformative growth for India’s gem and jewellery industry through strategic initiatives, innovative projects, and collaborative efforts. From advancing flagship projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai and the Gem Bourse in Jaipur to expanding our global footprint with initiatives like Saudijex in Saudi Arabia and IJEX Dubai, we aim to position India as a global leader in technology, design, and manufacturing. Together, we will strive to achieve the ambitious export target of USD 100 billion by 2047, aligning with our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
Bhansali further added, “We aim to sustain India’s global leadership, capitalize on domestic market potential, and advocate for favorable policies while continuing to support our artisans. To boost exports from the sector and support India’s economic growth, GJEPC has identified 17 key clusters based on their size, potential, and strategic location. By nurturing these clusters, we aim to develop them into thriving export hubs.”
Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “I sincerely thank all the industry members for entrusting me with this responsibility and giving me the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our remarkable gem and jewellery sector. This is a crucial time for the industry, and the challenges before us demand bold vision and decisive action. It is imperative to focus on category promotion across all verticals, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and adopting global standards to ensure our industry remains competitive on the world stage. The Council will continue to collaborate closely with the government to shape policies that not only drive growth but also address the pressing concerns of our exporters in an ever-evolving global market.”
List of CoA Member(s) 2024
| Sr. No | Name of the Directors | Designation |
| 1 | Kirit Bhansali | Chairperson |
| 2 | Shaunak Parikh | Vice-Chairperson |
| 3 | Smt. Khushboo Ranawat | Regional Chairperson – Western Region |
| 4 | Pankaj Parekh | Regional Chairperson – Eastern Region |
| 5 | Antar Pal Singh | Regional Chairperson – Northern Region |
| 6 | Jayantibhai N. Savaliya | Regional Chairperson – Gujarat Region |
| 7 | Mahendra Kumar Tayal | Regional Chairperson – Southern Region |
| 8 | Ajesh Mehta | CoA Member |
| 9 | Nirav Bhansali | CoA Member |
| 10 | Nilesh Kothari | CoA Member |
| 11 | Anil Virani | CoA Member |
| 12 | Pankaj Shah | CoA Member |
| 13 | Anil Sankhwal | CoA Member |
| 14 | Smit Patel | CoA Member |
| 15 | Krishna Behari Goyal | CoA Member |
| 16 | Manish Jiwani | CoA Member |
| 17 | Anoop Mehta | CoA Member |
| 18 | Ashish Borda | CoA Member |
| 19 | Dwarka Prasad Khandelwal | CoA Member |
| 20 | K. Srinivasan | CoA Member |
| 21 | Mansukhlal Kothari | CoA Member |
| Govt. Nominee | ||
| 1 | Shri Siddharth Mahajan – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India | Govt. Nominee Director |
Profiles of Chairman and Vice Chairman
Kirit A. Bhansali, Chairman, GJPEC
Kirit A. Bhansali, is a well-known personality in the Indian diamond and jewellery industry. He is a partner in Smital Gems, a leading diamond manufacturing company based in Mumbai. With his extensive experience in the field, he has played a significant role in promoting and developing the Indian gem and jewellery industry. He is the Chairman of India Jewellery Park Mumbai (IJPM) and is a Committee Member of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). In the past he has also served as the chairman of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ). Apart from his business activities, Bhansali is actively involved in various socio-political and educational initiatives. Through his leadership and vision, Bhansali has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Indian diamond and jewellery industry.
Shaunak Jitendra Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC
Shaunak Jitendra Parikh is 3rd generation entrepreneur and is one of the Directors of Mahendra Brothers Group of Companies who are into business of the manufacturing and marketing of diamonds and diamond jewellery. Parikh holds a degree of Bachelors of Commerce from University of Mumbai and has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. After successfully establishing manufacturing and marketing of diamond jewellery for over a decade, Parikh took charge of Group’s finances about 15 years back. He simultaneously completed an executive diploma in corporate finance from London Business School. A people’s man, and with a flair for creativity, he plays a vital role in running company’s overall business, group strategic planning & decision making, managing group finances and new business opportunities. Shaunak Parikh has previously held several key positions in GJEPC, including serving as the Convener of the Banking, Insurance, and Taxation Committee, as well as the Convener of International Exhibitions.
National News
IBJA, SAARTHI 360 Sign MoU To Launch ‘NextGen CEO: Leadership for the Future’
Executive Education Initiative To Equip The Next Generation Of Jewellery Manufacturers With The Leadership Capabilities, Strategic Perspective and Decision-Making Skills Required To Lead Family Businesses.
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.”
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