Anna Martin to Retire from GIA

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Nov. 15, 2023 – Anna Martin, GIA’s senior vice president of Institute and industry relations, will retire from GIA on December 31, 2023, after a very successful nine years with the Institute, 14 years on the GIA Board of Governors and more than 40 years as one of the most well-known and respected leaders in the gem and jewelry industry. 

“Anna Martin helped build GIA’s capabilities as a global organization, expanding our mission and helping to secure the Institute’s future,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “Her wisdom, experience and dedication to our mission enabled GIA to grow and remain relevant in the face of unprecedented challenges. I know Anna’s expertise will continue to benefit the global gem and jewelry industry; for GIA, she is irreplaceable.”

In August 2014, Martin joined GIA as senior vice president of global development. Building on her vast and unique experience in the gem and jewelry industry, she broadened and deepened GIA’s relationships with industry leaders, including clients and stakeholders, while overseeing the Institute’s global beneficiation efforts. In January 2022, she moved to a new position as GIA senior vice president for Institute and industry relations, where she worked closely with GIA senior executives to develop and further relationships with key individuals, companies and global gem and jewelry trade stakeholders.

“Contributing to GIA’s important mission and unique role in the global gem and jewelry industry as a Board member and colleague has been tremendously rewarding,” said Martin. “GIA is poised to reach new heights in its unrivaled research efforts, industry-leading education programs and independent, science-based laboratory services. I wish GIA and everyone at the Institute continued success.”

Before joining GIA in 2014, Martin had a very successful career at Standard Chartered Bank as managing director, responsible for building a substantial diamond and jewelry portfolio, and at ABN AMRO as senior vice president and regional head of the Americas. In her four decades in banking, she successfully secured funding and significantly expanded the availability and delivery of financial services to the global diamond trade.

Martin was a member of the GIA Board of Governors from 1997 to 2011, including as vice-chair from 2008 to 2011. She contributes her expertise and experience to many industry organizations, including as the current President of the Board of Diamonds Do Good and as a member of the advisory boards of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and JCK.

Anna’s many contributions and impressive service garnered numerous awards, including the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award and Excellence in Special Services from the WJA; the Premier Patron, Guiding Light and Doyenne of the Year awards from the Indian Diamond and Colored Stone Association; the Community Achievement Award from the Jewelry Chapter of American ORT; and the Award of Excellence from the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York. She also received the prestigious Triple Zero Award from the American Gem Society.

For press inquiries, please contact Nellie Barnett at nbarnett@gia.edu or +1 760-603-4184.