GIA Appoints Johanna Levy as VP of Environmental, Social & Governance Programs
Sustainability is a key driver of positive results
CARLSBAD, Calif. – July 14, 2022 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) welcomes Johanna Levy as the Institute’s first vice president of environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs. With more than 15 years of international experience leading high-impact projects to meet and exceed ambitious ESG targets, Levy will work with teams across GIA to develop strategic programs that support employee engagement and strengthen the Institute’s mission and value proposition. She will be based in New York, reporting to Pritesh Patel, GIA senior vice president and chief operating officer.
“Establishing a broad ESG program led by such a talented, experienced and passionate professional will connect our community and business goals, driving positive results for communities, the industry and GIA, and advancing our important consumer-protection mission,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “Johanna’s work successfully managing award-winning ESG strategies and initiatives will move GIA and the industry further on the path to a more sustainable future.”
Levy will lead the integration of GIA’s sustainability policy and practices into the Institute’s core business strategy, developing a comprehensive ESG vision and strategy tied to the Institute’s commitment to providing consumers trusted, independent and relevant information to help them make informed purchase decisions. Drawing on her experience in the luxury sector, she will identify and prioritize environmental and sustainability concerns, interests, and opportunities.
“GIA is in a unique position to advance the development and implementation of programs and practices that will lead to greater transparency and a more sustainable future for the gem and jewelry industry,” said Levy. “I look forward to helping the Institute build on its strong foundation of integrity and trust.”
Levy comes to GIA from Firmenich, the largest privately-owned company in the flavor and fragrance industry. As senior director of global environmental excellence and previously director of sustainability for North America, she built ambitious, company-wide programs, client-facing initiatives and collaborations with non-governmental organizations and ESG risk-rating agencies focused on supply chain transparency and net positive impact. Before Firmenich, she worked in-house and as a consultant to global brands, including Google, Nestlé and the World Gold Council. Levy has prior experience in marketing and marketing communications. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies with a concentration in environmental sciences from Harvard University; a Master of Science in sustainability management from Columbia University and a Master’s degree in Management from ESCP in Europe.
