GIA India Makes Leadership Changes

RAPAPORT... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has appointed Sriram Natarajan as managing director of its India lab, to succeed Nirupa Bhatt.Natarajan, who joined the GIA in 2017 as vice president of laboratory operations, will report to GIA India's board of directors. He will assume the position on June 15, once Bhatt transitions to her new role as a consultant on GIA's Diamond Origin Report service, the institute said last week.Bhatt, who joined GIA India in 2008, was responsible for expanding its education programs and lab services. "Nirupa Bhatt has overseen the launch of the GIA India laboratories in Mumbai and Surat, and the GIA education programs in India," said GIA CEO Susan Jacques. "She has been instrumental in the establishment of GIA India, and her tremendous contribution to the industry, to GIA India and to our mission will have a lasting impact that will long be remembered."Apoorva Deshingkar, who has been with GIA India since 2009, has been promoted to senior director of sales for GIA India. He will report to Natarajan.Meanwhile, in January, Gabriel Alayon stepped down as CEO of GIA Israel after seven years, with Nogit Rahamim to succeed him in the position.Image: Sriram Natarajan. (GIA)