GIA Welcomes New Governors

RAPAPORT... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has appointed Dave Bindra and Marcus ter Haar to its board as governors.Bindra, the vice president of operations and head of acquisitions at B&B Fine Gems, is a colored-gemstone specialist with experience in sourcing and cutting, the GIA said Wednesday. He serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), American Gem Society Young Title Holders, the 24k Club of Southern California, the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) and the Jewelers Advisory Council.Ter Haar, an industry veteran, was previously the managing director of the Okavango Diamond Company and serves on the board of Diamonds Do Good.Meanwhile, the GIA named Lisa Locklear - senior vice president and chief financial officer at Avanir Pharmaceuticals - as chair-elect. She will succeed Dione Kenyon, previous president and CEO of the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT)."[I] look forward to continuing on the board and working with chair-elect Lisa Locklear," said Kenyon. "Dave Bindra and Marcus ter Haar bring valuable industry expertise and leadership experience. Their experience and guidance, in this time of rapid change for our industry, makes them excellent additions to the board."Amit Dhamani, managing director of Dhamani Jewels Group, will leave the board after a nine-year term.Image: Dave Bindra (left) and Marcus ter Harr (right). (Gemological Institute of America)