Susan M. Jacques, the dynamic leader at the helm of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) since 2014, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of 2025. Jacques leaves behind an indelible legacy as she transitions into her next chapter, marking the end of an era for the global authority on gemology.
Under Jacques’ leadership, GIA solidified its position as a cornerstone of integrity and innovation in the gem and jewelry industry. Having served as interim president and CEO for six months prior to her official appointment, Jacques seamlessly stepped into her role and guided the organization through a period of transformative growth.
In a heartfelt statement, Jacques expressed her optimism for the institute’s future, saying, “I am confident and optimistic about the future success of GIA and the gem and jewelry industry as I enter this next chapter of my life. I will assist with the transition of GIA’s next leader through the end of this year.”
The GIA’s board of governors has initiated a global search for her successor, partnering with the executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry. The search will evaluate both internal and external candidates, with a selection committee comprising GIA governors leading the effort.
A Legacy of Leadership
Before joining GIA, Jacques was the CEO of Omaha-based jeweler Borsheims, where she cultivated a deep understanding of both retail and gemological expertise. Her longstanding relationship with GIA began in 1996, when she joined its board of governors, later serving as chair from 2008 to 2014.
During her tenure, Jacques received numerous accolades that cemented her status as a titan of the jewelry industry. Most recently, she was honored with Jewelers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. She also received the American Gem Society’s Robert M. Shipley Award in 2022 and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s Stanley Schechter Award in 2020.
The Road Ahead for GIA
As Jacques prepares to step aside, the GIA faces a pivotal moment. The next leader will inherit a robust organization with a rich history and a commitment to shaping the future of the gem and jewelry industry. Jacques’ legacy, marked by her unwavering dedication to excellence and education, will undoubtedly inspire the institute’s continued success.
Her departure signals not just the end of her tenure but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the GIA and the industry it serves.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and TJM Media Pvt Ltd. is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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