(IDEX Online) - Barbara Wheat, President of the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), part of the Ho Group of Companies, will relocate to the United States in June to take on a new role as Vice President of International Relations & Business Development for the Ho Group.
"As much as I have enjoyed my role with AIGS, I am looking forward to representing the Ho Group of Companies internationally," said Barbara, who has a long association with the Ho family, adding that she is returning to the US for family reasons.
In her new role, Barbara will work on special projects as well as raise the profile and boost the client base of the Ho Group of Companies, which include the AIGS Lab and School; the Jewelry Trade Center (JTC) in downtown Bangkok which contains many jewelry businesses, the Asia Gem Center brokerage, and the gemstones trading platform, Gemwow.com.
Barbara's new position includes working with Henry Ho, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AIGS, on special projects, such as the Bangkok Diamond and Precious Stones Exchange, the World Ruby Forum, the World's Most Beautiful Ruby Contest, the 1st China Ruby-Sapphire Forum, the Africa Asia Gem Corridor, the Ruby Heart of Love, and the Blue Ocean Heart Sapphire.
"We're very sorry to see Barbara leave Bangkok, but are pleased that she will still be working with our group of companies in a key strategic role to develop international business opportunities," said Ho.
The Ho Group of Companies is at the heart of Thailand's gems and jewelry business, the country's third largest export sector.
Wheat has an extensive background in the gems and jewelry trade, having previously served as Executive Director of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), and as Executive Vice President of the Natural Color Diamond Association.