Susan Jacques to Retire as GIA President and CEO: GIA Board of Governors to Seek a Successor
GIA Press Release –
January 14, 2025 –
CARLSBAD, California – January 14, 2025 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the planned retirement of its president and CEO, Susan Jacques, at the end of 2025. The Institute has begun a global search for a successor.
“Susan Jacques is an incredible leader for GIA and the global gem and jewelry industry,” said Lisa Locklear, Chair of the GIA Board of Governors. “Under her expert, compassionate and visionary leadership, GIA has achieved new heights of success in often challenging times. Susan’s dedicated service as president and CEO leaves GIA well positioned to continue to advance its important mission of ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry.”
Susan Jacques became GIA’s president and CEO on January 1, 2014, after serving as interim CEO for six months. Before that, she was a member of the GIA Board of Governors since 1996; she was Chair of the Board from 2008 to 2014. As CEO, she continued as a member of the Board.
“At GIA, I have been fortunate to lead one of the industry’s most trusted organizations and our passionate teams around the world as we ensured the truth about gems through innovation, service and knowledge,” said Jacques. “I am confident and optimistic about the future success of GIA and the gem and jewelry industry as I enter this next chapter of my life. I will assist with the transition of GIA’s next leader through the end of this year.”
A dedicated search committee of GIA Governors will consider internal and external candidates. The global search will be co-led by Lorraine Lavet and Chris Von Der Ahe at Korn Ferry. For more information regarding this search, please contact them at;
[email protected] or [email protected]
