Pritesh Patel Appointed CEO Of Gemological Institute Of America

India-West Staff Reporter

CARLSBAD, CA — The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the appointment of Pritesh Patel as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Currently serving as the Institute’s Chief Operating Officer, Patel will assume his new role on August 4.

Patel brings nearly a decade of leadership experience within GIA and a strong background in operational strategy and technology. His appointment follows an international search led by GIA’s Board of Governors and a dedicated CEO search committee.

“Pritesh’s outstanding experience, character, and understanding of the industry and the Institute are exceptionally well-suited to build upon GIA’s nearly 100 years of service to the industry and consumers,” said Lisa A. Locklear, Chair of the GIA Board of Governors.
She added, “We are confident in his ability to lead GIA into its next chapter of innovation and global impact.”

Patel called the new role “the honor of a lifetime,” reflecting on the trust the gem and jewelry industry places in GIA.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in the industry—people who live our mission every day,” he said.

“I’m inspired by GIA’s legacy of excellence and integrity, and I’m committed to building on that foundation with humility, purpose, and a bold vision for the future.”

Patel joined GIA in 2015 as Chief Information Officer and was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2017. In his role as COO, he led operational strategy and oversaw the development of innovative solutions to advance the Institute’s mission.

Before joining GIA, he was Vice President of Information Technology at CIRCOR International Inc., a global manufacturing firm in the energy, aerospace, industrial, defense, and power generation sectors.

Patel holds an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Founded in 1931, GIA is an independent nonprofit recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. It developed the internationally recognized 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight) and created the International Diamond Grading System™ in 1953, which remains a global standard in the industry.