GIA India's Nirupa Bhatt announced her transition from her full-time position as managing director of GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. (“GIA India”), effective June 15. In her role as managing director, Bhatt oversaw the successful 10-year expansion of GIA India.
“I intend to transition from my current operational role as managing director of GIA India to a consulting advisory position focusing on GIA’s Diamond Origin Report service. This decision offers a smooth succession plan for GIA India, with me available to personally guide a quality transition for customers and the trade,” said Bhatt.
Sriram Natarajan, currently vice president of laboratory operations since joining GIA India in August 2017, will become managing director of GIA India, reporting to GIA India’s board of directors. Before his current role, Natarajan held operational and leadership roles in a variety of international industries.
“Nirupa Bhatt has overseen the launch of the GIA India laboratories in Mumbai and Surat, and the GIA education programs in India,” said Susan Jacques, president and CEO of Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (“GIA”). “She has been instrumental in the establishment of GIA India, and her tremendous contribution to the industry, to GIA India and to our mission will have a lasting impact that will long be remembered.”
Apoorva Deshingkar, who joined GIA India in 2009, will become senior director of sales for GIA India, reporting to Natarajan.
Bhatt joined GIA India on Jan. 1, 2008, with responsibility for expanding education programs and laboratory services. She oversaw the opening of the GIA India laboratory in Mumbai, and increased the scope of GIA education offerings in India. In 2018, GIA India opened a laboratory in Surat to serve clients in that important diamond manufacturing center.
She is active in many industry and trade organizations, and has been recognized for her many contributions to the trade, including the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association (IDCA) New York and the U.S. Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA). Bhatt has served on several judging panels for industry awards and she established the India chapter of WJA.
Prior to joining GIA India, Bhatt was with the mining conglomerate Rio Tinto – owner of the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia and the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada – for 20 years. She also managed the Indo Argyle Diamond Council.
