SVP, Market Development & Industry Affairs

The Sr. Vice President, Market Development and Industry Affairs will be responsible for building and deepening relationships with key industry retailers and clients to drive sustainable business growth. This executive will also ensure leadership alignment across global markets—including the Americas, Europe, India, APAC, and EMEA to deliver cohesive strategies, collaboration, and synergy across teams. Serve as the executive owner of client value creation, aligning client needs with GIA capabilities to increase market share, strengthen retention and unlock new growth opportunities; lead a disciplined, KPI driven approach to pipeline management, client retention and market expansion. With significant Gemological expertise, this role also serves as the Institute's executive authority and P&L ownership of colored stones, gem materials, and their scientific and educational interpretation for the global market. This role defines and advances institutional strategy across scientific non accredited education, standards leadership, research translation, and public trust leveraging education and knowledge assets to strengthen credibility, confidence, and long-term market integrity. Operating at the executive level, the SVP acts as an internal and external thought leader, ensuring that science, education, and standards are applied consistently to inform industry practice. The role stewards key institutional knowledge platforms, including publications, library, and museum assets, and represents the Institute across global industry, academic, and regulatory forums in support of its mission and independence. Business & Market Development Build, cultivate, and sustain trusted relationships with industry retailers, global clients, and partners. Act as the executive sponsor for strategic accounts, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction and long-term value creation. Represent the organization externally with credibility and influence in the Americas, Europe, India, APAC, and EMEA.Cultivate partnerships, alliances, or acquisitions with academic institutions, industry bodies, foundations, and global stakeholders to extend the Institute's reach and impact. Leads team to execute comprehensive strategies to identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with the company's objectives. Conduct thorough potential assessments for new products and services, including market sizing, and customer segmentation to determine opportunities and project viability. Develop comprehensive market development strategies Prepare detailed business plans for new initiatives, including financial forecasts, resource requirements, risk assessments, and go-to-market strategies Identify and evaluate potential partnerships, alliances, or acquisitions that could accelerate market entry or expansion. Prioritize opportunities collaboratively with the global market development leadership Coordinate and partner with other functions such as Marketing, PR, Corporate Communications to plan and execute marketing campaigns including trade shows in the region and raise awareness for GIA's Mission and Services. Oversee program/project management for integrating new business ideas and/or acquisitions, successfully handing over the day-to-day to operations teams. Global Colored Stone & Gemology Strategy Serve as senior authority on colored stones and gem materials Translate technical expertise into strategic market positioning and advisory value Support sourcing, valuation, storytelling, and product credibility Lead and strengthen executive thought leadership, with particular emphasis on colored stones, emerging materials, and evolving industry standards. Elevate grading reports and research outputs from functional certifications to globally recognized institutional benchmarks. Oversee global communications, public engagement initiatives, and institutional storytelling that translate complex science into accessible, trusted frameworks for industry, academia, and the public. Support the Institute's long-term sustainability by aligning external engagement strategies with mission-driven growth objectives. Education as a Market Development LeverDesign and deploy non accredited education programs that support market growth and client engagement Align content with regional and global commercial priorities Use education to strengthen consumer confidence and differentiate offerings Position the Institute as the global scientific and educational authority in gemology, reinforcing its role as the definitive reference for standards, integrity, and trust. Represent the Institute publicly at major global forums, conferences, academic settings, and industry convenings. Guide market development initiatives, particularly in colored stones through education, standards leadership, and institutional engagement rather than commercial activity. Client Service & Advisory Offerings Collaborate with leadership to differentiate client services based on expertise, science, and education Support high-value client advisory, partnerships, and institutional relationships Act as senior representative with collectors, institutions, and strategic clients Secure and steward long-term funding for scholarships, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic support to advance research, education, and laboratory excellence. Standards, Governance & Industry Representation Strengthen relationships with senior industry leaders and governing bodies to reinforce alignment around shared standards, ethics, and public trust. Act as a senior advisor to the CEO and executive leadership on industry dynamics, reputational risk, and strategic external engagement. Represent the organization in international bodies and standards organizations Contribute to industry frameworks that reinforce transparency and consumer confidence Lead global dialogue on grading harmonization, standards evolution, and best practices, particularly within colored stones and emerging categories. Serve as a neutral convener and trusted intermediary across luxury brands, trade organizations, laboratories, regulators, and academic institutions. Influence the global laboratory and standards ecosystem without engaging in market competition, preserving the Institute's independence and credibility. Organizational Leadership, Alignment & Team Development Serve as the connector between external client/retailer needs and internal capabilities, ensuring strategies are translated into execution. Partner with senior leadership to integrate client and retailer strategies into the organization's overall growth agenda. Drive knowledge-sharing and best practice exchange across leadership teams. Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and development opportunities to leaders across regional markets. Build and lead a high-performing global partnerships team with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and results. Align cross-functional and cross-regional leadership teams to deliver consistent client and retailer experiences. Job Competencies Acts as a role model for collaboration, integrity, and strategic thinking. Builds trust and alignment across geographies, fostering a "one team, one mission" mindset. Develop leaders and talent with a focus on succession planning and future capability. Brings vision, influence, and decisiveness to global partnership and growth strategies. Collaboration – ability to work with people across the organization, find solutions collaboratively and pull them as needed to execute Organizational savvy – understand organizational decision making, power centers, and be able to navigate to sell ideas and get the necessary support. Influencing skills – ability to influence people to do what is necessary to execute on projects Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the "big picture" and formulate long-term growth plans. Ability to link long-range visions and concepts to daily work. Weighs opportunity costs and stays focused on significant, "big picture" issues. Results-Oriented: Demonstrates passion and drive for achieving measurable market development goals and revenue targets. Remains optimistic in the face of setbacks/roadblocks and reinvent ways of working Relationships / Impact on Others- proven ability to build strong, trust-based relationships internally and externally. Analytical Rigor: Proficient in market research, data analysis, and financial modeling. Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading change in a fast-paced environment.