By Laura Simanton

GIA recently announced that Nirupa Pandya Bhatt has been named managing director for India and the Middle East and will be responsible for GIA expansion in those areas.

Bhatt, whose position became effective Jan. 1, will provide on-site management and in-country guidance for the set up and operation of the India Laboratory, the Dubai school and similar future projects, including GIA educational offerings in Israel.

Bhatt will directly oversee GIA schools in Dubai and India and their respective directors.

"We are delighted to have Nirupa join GIA," said Donna Baker, GIA president. "She is a leader of tremendous stature and goodwill in our industry and brings superior personal and ethical strengths and organizational capabilities to the Institute. In her new role, she will help our organization further its mission to protect the public by establishing and expanding GIA's international standards in India and the Middle East."

Bhatt and her team will use their experience to open the largest GIA laboratory outside of the U.S. in Mumbai. They will uphold the Institute's highest professional standards at this new facility, as they deliver diamond grading services with quick turnaround times.

"In asking Nirupa to join our team," said Baker, "GIA is demonstrating its deep commitment to furthering the reach of its mission in India and the Middle East. GIA intends to expand its presence further in that part of the world – and who better than Nirupa to usher these plans into reality?"

Prior to joining GIA, Bhatt was most recently with Rio Tinto Diamonds (RTD), owner of the Argyle and Diavik Diamond Mines. Among other duties, she was responsible for managing and initiating programs to support RTD customers and production, including the Indo Argyle Diamond Council and Business Excellence Model.

Bhatt has received many honors for her achievements, including the "Doyenne of the Year" award from the U.S.-based Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association in 2002; the "Eminent Personality of the Year" award from The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council in 2003; and the Women's Jewelry Association's "Award for Excellence" under the category of Special Services and Education in 2005.