IGI Names North American President

RAPAPORT... The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has appointedAvi Levy president of its North American business, where he will be tasked withexpanding the group's international identity. "I look forward to growing [IGI's] current relationships, aswell as forging new strategic alliances, with a concentrated focus on gainingfurther recognition and expansion of the IGI global brand," Levy said Tuesday. A 30-year veteran of the fine-jewelry industry, Levy hasexperience in diamond sourcing, manufacturing, product development, brandpartnerships and wholesale trade to major retailers. "[Avi] will play a significant role in bolstering theinstitute's relationships and services offerings between the overseasmanufacturers and the US customer base," IGI CEO Roland Lorie explained. Levy will succeed Jerry Ehrenwald, who has held the positionsince 1991, and is leaving to oversee LGDEX.org, the lab-grown-diamond-exchangeplatform. Image: Colored stones and loupe. (International Gemological Institute)