The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has appointed a new head of operations in India, following Nirupa Bhatt’s decision to step down as managing director.

GIA India’s vice president of laboratory operations Sriram Natarajan will take over Bhatt’s position effective June 15.

Bhatt will transition to a “consulting advisory” role focusing on GIA’s Diamond Origin Report service. 

Natarajan, who joined GIA India in 2017, will be reporting to GIA India’s board of directors. He previously held operational and leadership posts in a variety of international industries.

Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA, said Bhatt “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.”

Bhatt, who joined GIA India in 2008, was responsible for expanding GIA’s educational programmes and laboratory services. She oversaw the opening of GIA India’s laboratory in Mumbai and worked to widen the scope of GIA’s educational offerings in India. In 2018, GIA India opened a laboratory in Surat.

An active member of industry organisations, she has been recognised for her many contributions to the trade. Prior to joining GIA India, Bhatt worked for diamond mining giant Rio Tinto for 20 years.