MajorsJul 29, 2022
Jewelers of America Elects 4 New Directors to Board MajorsAug 01, 2022
GIA Appoints First Vice President of Sustainability Programs
Johanna Levy will oversee the environmental, social, and governance programs.
Johanna Levy has joined GIA as the first vice president of environmental, social, and governance programs.
New York—The Gemological Institute of America has created a new role focused on sustainability.
The institute has announced Johanna Levy is the first vice president of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs.
Levy has spent more than a decade meeting and exceeding ESG goals for other companies, GIA said.
Previously, she worked at Firmenich, the largest privately-owned flavor and fragrance company. There, she was the senior director of global environmental excellence. Prior to that, she was the North America director of sustainability.
In these roles, she created company-wide programs, client-facing projects, and collaborations with non-government organizations and ESG risk-rating agencies all dealing with supply chain transparency and net positive impact.
Before that, she worked in either an in-house capacity or as a consultant for brands including Google, Nestle, and the World Gold Council.
Levy also has career experience in marketing and marketing communications.
She has a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies with a concentration in environmental sciences from Harvard; a Master of Science in sustainability management from Columbia; and a Master’s degree in management from ESCP Europe.
At GIA, Levy will report to Pritesh Patel, senior vice president and chief operation officer. Levy will work with teams across GIA. She will be based in New York.
“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 GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques.
“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 said, “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.
“I look forward to helping the institute build on its strong foundation of integrity and trust.”
Related stories will be right here …
The institute has announced Johanna Levy is the first vice president of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs.
Levy has spent more than a decade meeting and exceeding ESG goals for other companies, GIA said.
Previously, she worked at Firmenich, the largest privately-owned flavor and fragrance company. There, she was the senior director of global environmental excellence. Prior to that, she was the North America director of sustainability.
In these roles, she created company-wide programs, client-facing projects, and collaborations with non-government organizations and ESG risk-rating agencies all dealing with supply chain transparency and net positive impact.
Before that, she worked in either an in-house capacity or as a consultant for brands including Google, Nestle, and the World Gold Council.
Levy also has career experience in marketing and marketing communications.
She has a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies with a concentration in environmental sciences from Harvard; a Master of Science in sustainability management from Columbia; and a Master’s degree in management from ESCP Europe.
At GIA, Levy will report to Pritesh Patel, senior vice president and chief operation officer. Levy will work with teams across GIA. She will be based in New York.
“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 GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques.
“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 said, “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.
“I look forward to helping the institute build on its strong foundation of integrity and trust.”
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingOct 03, 2023
De Beers CFO Steps Down Sarah Kuijlaars is leaving the company and will be replaced internally by Head of Planning and Business Development Richard Lawson.
CollectionsOct 03, 2023
Pandora’s New Game of Thrones Collection is Here Fans of the series can shop for direwolf charms, dragon earrings, and more.
SourcingOct 03, 2023
2 Lucara Execs to Step Down in Wake of CEO Change Chief Financial Officer Zara Boldt and Vice President of Technical Services John Armstrong will leave the company later this year.
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your StaffAwareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.
SourcingOct 02, 2023
De Beers, Botswana One Step Closer to Finalizing Agreement The two have signed “heads of terms” for the tentative 10-year sales agreement they reached in June.
Weekly QuizSep 29, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
IndependentsOct 02, 2023
There’s a New Piercing Studio on Long IslandAli Weiss Jewelry has opened its second store in Roslyn, New York.
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2023
WJA Foundation Awards First Helene Fortunoff Scholarship A New Hampshire store manager is the inaugural recipient of the grant for up-and-coming women in retail.
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog SolutionsDo you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.
CollectionsOct 02, 2023
Lorraine West’s New Collection Points to the Power of WomenAvailable exclusively at Greenwich St. Jewelers, the “Nipple Collection” will benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
Recorded WebinarsSep 29, 2023
The Lab-Grown Diamond Market: Where Are We Now?Watch as Edahn Golan, Sherry Smith and Avi Levy join Michelle Graff to talk pricing and trends in this controversial corner of the market.
SourcingSep 29, 2023
Lucara Severs Ties With HB Antwerp The two companies initially partnered during the pandemic and had just signed a 10-year sales agreement in November 2022.
CollectionsSep 29, 2023
Piece of the Week: Sonya K’s Versatile Necklace A classic diamond tennis necklace gets a whole lot cooler with a removable pendant.
EditorsSep 28, 2023
The Gemstone World Is In Its Unique Cut EraAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently spoke with Columbia Gem House’s Eric Braunwart about the uptick in non-traditional gemstone cuts.
CrimeSep 28, 2023
Have You Seen Jewels Like These? The British Museum Wants to KnowThe museum is asking for the public’s help in finding thousands of pieces of ancient gold jewelry and gemstones stolen from a storeroom.
AuctionsSep 27, 2023
Antique Jewels Shine at Bonhams LondonA rare Chaumet necklace and 20th-century sapphire ring sold for double their estimates.
SourcingSep 27, 2023
India Calls for 2-Month Moratorium on Rough Diamond Imports The plea comes against a backdrop of declining demand and falling prices.
SurveysSep 27, 2023
Consumer Confidence Falls in September Amid Rising Recession Fears Shoppers also expressed concern about rising prices, higher interest rates, and political uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 27, 2023
PGI to Dole Out $500K in Business Grant Program Participants from the first round of grants saw up to a 900 percent increase in their platinum sales.
WatchesSep 26, 2023
Citizen Launches the Tsuki-Yomi A-T TimepieceAccording to the watchmaker, it features the first light-powered atomic timekeeping moon phase movement.
IndependentsSep 26, 2023
Sally Nelson, Founder of Exclusively Diamonds, Dies at 86The former teacher, described as “a pioneer for women-owned businesses,” opened her own jewelry store in 1980.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
2023 Spectrum Awards Entry Deadline ExtendedThe contest is now open for submissions until Oct. 10.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
Instore Announces Dates for 2024 Show The annual event will return to Rosemont, Illinois next August.
SurveysSep 26, 2023
Mastercard Makes Its 2023 Holiday PredictionAccording to SpendingPulse, retail sales will increase in November and December but not necessarily for jewelers.
CrimeSep 25, 2023
Oregon Jeweler Accused of Selling Lab-Grown Diamonds as NaturalPolice say Douglas Wayne Gamble also swapped natural diamonds for synthetic stones and failed to return customers’ repairs.
CollectionsSep 25, 2023
Neil Lane’s Latest Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds The designer just launched a new bridal range at Kay Jewelers.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Hearts On Fire Taps Mejuri Exec as CCOYunjo Lee has also worked on collections for Tiffany & Co. with Paloma Picasso and Frank Gehry.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Second Generation Takes On New Roles at Sylvie JewelrySteve Levine joins the family-owned company, while his brother Gary has a new position.
