John Ford Becomes CEO at AGTA

RAPAPORT... The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has named Texas-based jeweler John Ford as its new CEO, the industry group announced this week. He succeeds Douglas Hucker, who stood down in March after 24 years.Ford will take on the role immediately, stepping up from his current position as an AGTA board member and its treasurer. He is the owner of John Ford Jewelers and The Lightning Ridge Collection, both based in Galveston, Texas.Ford will "move on from that business so that he can fully concentrate on the board's vision for AGTA and our future," AGTA explained Tuesday.An industry veteran of more than 38 years, Ford is a member of the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Lightning Ridge Mining Association, an Australian body representing opal miners. He has won many AGTA Spectrum Awards and has held leadership roles in his local community."Ford was selected as the ideal candidate to lead AGTA after a professionally managed, comprehensive search interviewing many applicants, including Ford," said AGTA president Kimberly Collins. "John's knowledge of AGTA's operations along with his corporate-governance experience made him the clear choice." Image: John Ford. (AGTA)