Carlsbad, Calif. –Feb. 6, 2008 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the selection of Marie-Josée Trépanier as Managing Director, Southern Africa, effective February 1, 2008.

Working in coordination with GIA corporate management, Trépanier will be responsible for providing on-site project management and in-country guidance for the setup of new facilities and support functions for Southern Africa (South Africa and Botswana) and similar future projects. Located initially in Dubai, she will also oversee various business development projects in relation to ongoing business development.

Trépanier brings impressive business experience to GIA. Serving most recently as chief executive officer for Polygon DMCC in Dubai, she expanded the company’s presence in Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong and China and coordinated all operations in the Middle East, Asian and N orth American offices. Her background includes expertise in due diligence, market research, strategy, and business planning. She holds an LLM in International Business Law from the London School of Economics, an LLB in law from the University of Montreal, and has served as a member of Team Canada Trade missions to China and Indonesia.

Donna Baker, president of GIA, said, "Marie-Josée will be working with a highly experienced international GIA operations team, and we are looking forward to having her join us. She offers a solid combination of legal, financial and operational skills demonstrated throughout her career in various executive and leadership roles. She brings an incredible wealth of knowledge about regional and global areas of business to GIA. She has strong communications skills and operates with solid professionalism and ethics that has earned her the respect of colleagues around the world. She will substantially further GIA’s ability to expand and fulfill our global mission of protecting the public trust in gems and jewelry."