GIA Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

GIA has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and people.

Driven by a commitment to research and education, GIA advances the understanding of gems and jewelry arts, solidifying its global impact.

Leadership Roles at GIA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Faviola Cote
  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Quyên Em
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Loana Nuñez
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Cheryl Sepienza
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Pritesh Patel
  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Tapajyoti Das
  • Chief Financial Officer - Samir Shah
  • President - Tamana Khan
  • President Since 2001 - Merle Koblenz
  • Chief People Officer - Sara Kruse
  • Faviola Cote - Chief Executive Officer

    Faviola Cote, the Chief Executive Officer at GIA, directs the institute's strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing all facets of the organization, Cote ensures alignment with GIA's core mission of research and education in gemology and the jewelry arts. This leadership role involves driving innovation in educational programs and research initiatives, maintaining GIA's position as a global authority. By fostering collaboration across departments, Faviola Cote enhances the institute's ability to serve its stakeholders worldwide. The focus remains on advancing gemological knowledge and upholding the highest standards of integrity within the industry.

    Quyên Em - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Quyên Em, the Group Chief Executive Officer at GIA, spearheads the overarching strategy for the institute's global operations. Em's leadership ensures cohesive development across all GIA entities, driving forward the mission of research and education in gemology and jewelry arts. This executive function involves integrating diverse operational streams to maximize impact and reach. By cultivating strategic partnerships and overseeing expansion efforts, Quyên Em strengthens GIA's international presence. The objective is to advance gemological science and provide unparalleled educational resources to a global audience, reinforcing GIA's esteemed reputation.

    Loana Nuñez - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Loana Nuñez, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at GIA, established the foundational principles guiding the institute's enduring mission. Nuñez's vision continues to shape GIA's commitment to pioneering research and comprehensive education in gemology and the jewelry arts. This foundational leadership role involves safeguarding the institute's legacy while adapting to evolving industry landscapes. By championing rigorous scientific inquiry and accessible learning, Loana Nuñez ensures GIA remains at the forefront of gemological advancement. The ongoing focus is on perpetuating the institute's dedication to knowledge dissemination and ethical practices.

    Cheryl Sepienza - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Cheryl Sepienza, the President & Chief Executive Officer at GIA, directs the comprehensive strategic and operational framework of the institute. Sepienza's leadership ensures GIA's continued excellence in gemological research and education, upholding its status as a global leader. This executive position involves overseeing all departmental functions to foster innovation and maintain the highest standards of integrity. By driving forward key initiatives and managing stakeholder relations, Cheryl Sepienza strengthens GIA's impact. The primary objective is to advance the understanding and appreciation of gems and jewelry arts worldwide.

    Pritesh Patel - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Pritesh Patel, the President & Chief Executive Officer at GIA, guides the institute's strategic direction and operational effectiveness. Patel's leadership ensures GIA's ongoing commitment to pioneering research and education in gemology and the jewelry arts. This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of the organization to foster advancements and uphold industry standards. By championing new research methodologies and enhancing educational delivery, Pritesh Patel reinforces GIA's global influence. The focus remains on expanding knowledge and promoting ethical practices within the gem and jewelry sectors.

    Tapajyoti Das - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Tapajyoti Das, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at GIA, provides foundational leadership and strategic oversight for the institute. Das's role centers on advancing GIA's mission through dedicated research and comprehensive education in gemology and the jewelry arts. This co-founding leadership ensures continuity of vision and drives operational excellence across all initiatives. By fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and educational innovation, Tapajyoti Das strengthens GIA's global standing. The ongoing commitment is to expand the understanding of gemstones and jewelry craftsmanship worldwide.

    Samir Shah - Chief Financial Officer

    Samir Shah, the Chief Financial Officer at GIA, directs the institute's financial strategy and fiscal management. Shah oversees all financial operations, ensuring robust resource allocation to support GIA's research and educational endeavors in gemology and the jewelry arts. This critical function involves managing budgets, financial planning, and reporting to maintain the organization's financial health and sustainability. By optimizing financial performance and ensuring compliance, Samir Shah enables GIA to pursue its mission effectively. The focus remains on prudent financial stewardship to support long-term growth and operational integrity.

    Tamana Khan - President

    Tamana Khan, the President at GIA, drives operational excellence and strategic initiatives across key divisions. Khan's leadership ensures the seamless execution of programs focused on research and education in gemology and the jewelry arts. This presidential role involves overseeing departmental collaborations to enhance GIA's global impact and service delivery. By focusing on efficiency and innovation, Tamana Khan strengthens the institute's capacity to advance gemological science. The commitment remains to uphold GIA's standards and expand its reach in serving the industry and its professionals.

    Merle Koblenz - President Since 2001

    Merle Koblenz, the President Since 2001 at GIA, provides enduring leadership and strategic oversight, guiding the institute's long-standing commitment to research and education in gemology and the jewelry arts. Koblenz's extensive tenure ensures continuity and deep institutional knowledge, driving forward GIA's mission with seasoned expertise. This presidential function involves maintaining high standards of academic rigor and scientific inquiry. By fostering strategic partnerships and overseeing operational integrity, Merle Koblenz reinforces GIA's global reputation. The focus remains on advancing gemological understanding and promoting excellence within the jewelry arts.

    Sara Kruse - Chief People Officer

    Sara Kruse, the Chief People Officer at GIA, leads the human capital strategy, fostering a culture that supports the institute's mission of research and education. Kruse oversees all aspects of talent management, employee development, and organizational culture to ensure GIA attracts and retains top talent in gemology and the jewelry arts. This executive role involves cultivating an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Sara Kruse enhances GIA's operational capacity. The objective is to build a high-performing team dedicated to advancing gemological knowledge.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GIA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GIA?
    GIA is led by Faviola Cote (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Quyên Em (Group Chief Executive Officer) and Loana Nuñez (Founder & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of GIA’s executive team?
    The executive team of GIA includes leaders such as Faviola Cote (Chief Executive Officer), Quyên Em (Group Chief Executive Officer), Loana Nuñez (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GIA have?
    GIA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in GIA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of GIA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer.