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.

Platinum Guild International (PGI) expanded its leadership team, appointing Vaishali Banerjee as Head of Global Market Development. She will also retain her current role as Managing Director – India & Middle East, two key regions for the metal’s growth.

“This is a transformative time for platinum,” said Vaishali Banerjee. “We are witnessing a shift in global sentiment towards meaningful consumption. Platinum — with its rarity, preciousness, and enduring value — is perfectly poised to accompany this moment. I look forward to further strengthening our presence in India and the UAE while building momentum across key and emerging global markets.”

Further reinforcing its leadership bench, PGI has elevated Pallavi Sharma to Deputy Country Manager – India & Middle East. With these regions remaining strategic priorities, the move highlights PGI’s continued focus on driving platinum’s growth through direct market engagement, strategic partnerships, and targeted development initiatives.

“I’m excited to take on this new role at such a dynamic juncture,” said Pallavi Sharma. “Platinum’s narrative is evolving rapidly, and our focus will be on deepening consumer connections and expanding retail partnerships to ensure sustainable category growth across India and the UAE.”

These leadership changes come as platinum gains renewed attention for its price advantage and intrinsic value, positioning it for a promising new growth phase globally.

All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the apex body representing the Indian gem and jewellery industry, is pleased to announce that Mr. Rajesh Rokde has been elected as the new Chairman and Mr. Avinash Gupta the new Vice Chairman of the council. This is confirmed during the council’s first Board Meeting of the COA 2025 – 26 post completion of their COA elections held in December 2024.

Mr. Rajesh Rokde, from the esteemed Rokde Jewellers in Nagpur, upholds a remarkable legacy of over 100 years in the jewellery industry. Representing the Large Retailers category in GJC, he has distinguished himself through an unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer trust—the hallmarks of his family’s renowned brand. His proactive leadership as Vice Chairman and Legal Committee Convener has significantly benefited the jewellery industry by addressing critical issues such as GST for the Gems and Jewellery sector, import duty, hallmarking, 411, and many other pivotal matters. He has made numerous representations to government officials to resolve these challenges, and his timely actions have consistently brought positive outcomes for the industry. Mr. Rajesh Rokde, a stalwart in the jewellery industry with decades of experience, takes over as the Chairman. Known for his visionary leadership and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector, Mr. Rokde aims to drive initiatives that will strengthen the domestic market, promote innovation, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian jewellery.

Mr. Rajesh Rokde, Chairman GJC, stated: “I am deeply honoured to take on the responsibility of leading GJC at this pivotal time. The Indian gem and jewellery industry stands at the cusp of transformation, and it is our mission to work collectively towards sustainable growth, increased consumer trust, and greater recognition on the global stage. I look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders to achieve our shared vision.”

Mr Avinash Gupta, based in Hyderabad from Mamraj Mussadilal Jewellers is a renowned personality of the Gems and Jewellery Industry and over many years, he has played a pivotal role in GJC during his tenure 2016-2022.His pro active approach in legal and compliance issues has benefitted industry a lot for example GST for Gems and Jewellery Industry, Import Duty and many other critical matters. Mr Gupta has also played a lead role by representing GJC in delegation to Shanghai ,London and Turkey to study Gold Exchanges  to setup IIBX and he has been instrumental in many other prominent  initiatives of Industry Mr. Avinash Gupta, a respected name in the industry and a long-standing member of GJC, has been elected as the Vice Chairman. Mr. Gupta brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to fostering innovation and excellence across the sector.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Avinash Gupta said: “It is a privilege to serve as the Vice Chairman of GJC. Together with Mr. Rokde and our dedicated COA team, I am confident that we can address the challenges faced by the industry and pave the way for new opportunities. Our focus will remain on driving ethical practices, embracing technological advancements, and ensuring the growth of small and medium enterprises in this sector.”

Outgoing Chairman, Mr. Saiyam Mehra, who will now take the position as Immediate Past Chairman, also shared his thoughts on the leadership transition, stating: “It has been an incredible journey serving as the Chairman of GJC. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, from championing the interests of the industry to driving initiatives that have strengthened GJC and our community. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Rajesh Rokde and Mr. Avinash Gupta, and I am confident that their leadership will take GJC to new heights. I will continue to support the Council and the industry in every possible way.”

The new leadership team aims to focus on key areas such as skill development, promoting ‘Make in India’ initiatives, enhancing consumer confidence through transparency, and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders, including artisans, traders, and retailers.

The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council is committed to its role as a catalyst for growth and a unifying voice for the industry. Under the able leadership of Mr. Rajesh Rokde and Mr. Avinash Gupta, GJC is poised to usher in a new era of progress and innovation.

In December 2024, GJC successfully conducted their COA Elections, wherein the members of the GJC Committee of Administration (COA) for the term 2025-26 are as follows:

1. Mr. Rajesh Rokde (Chairman & Zonal Chairman – West) – Large Retailer, West Zone
2. Mr. Avinash Gupta (Vice Chairman & Zonal Chairman – South) – Larger Wholesaler, South Zone
3. Mr. Saiyam Mehra (Immediate Past Chairman) – Large Wholesaler, West Zone

• Dr. Ravi Kapoor (Zonal Chairman – North) – Large Retailer, North Zone
• Mr. Sunil Poddar (Zonal Chairman – East) – Medium Manufacturer Jewellery, East Zone

1. Mr. Amit Jindal (COA Member) – Medium Retailer, North Zone
2. Mr. Amit Kumar Soni (COA Member) – Small Manufacturer Jewellery, East Zone
3. Mr. Ashok Kumar Jain (COA Member) – Medium Retailer, South Zone
4. Mr. Gurjeet Singh (COA Member) – Small Retailer, North Zone
5. Mr. HM Sultan Mohideen (COA Member) – Small Retailer, South Zone
6. Mr. Madan Kothari (COA Member) – Small Manufacturer Jewellery, West Zone
7. Mr. Nilesh S. Shobhawat (COA Member) – Small & Medium Wholesaler, West Zone
8. Mr. Ravi Prakash Agarwal (COA Member) – Small Retailer, North Zone
9. Mr. Rupesh Tambi (COA Member) – Small & Medium Wholesaler, North Zone
10. Mr. Sahil Mehra (COA Member) – Medium Manufacturer Jewellery, West Zone
11. Mr. Salim Daginawala (COA Member) – Large Retailer, West Zone
12. Mr. Samar Kumar De (COA Member) – Medium Retailer, East Zone
13. Mr. Siddharth Sawansukha (COA Member) – Large Manufacturer Jewellery, East Zone
14. Mr. Sourav Roy (COA Member) – Small Retailer, East Zone
15. Mr. Suyash Agrawal (COA Member) – Small & Medium Manufacturer Silver Jewellery, West Zone
16. Mr. Vardhaman Kothari (COA Member) – Small Retailer, West Zone