MajorsAug 01, 2022
GIA Appoints First Vice President of Sustainability ProgramsSourcingAug 02, 2022
AGTA Names John Ford as Its New CEO
He’s the owner of The Lightning Ridge Collection but will pivot to focus on his new role.
John Ford, who has been in the industry for more than three decades, is the new CEO of the American Gem Trade Association.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association’s board of directors has named John W. Ford Sr. as the organization’s new CEO.
The appointment is effective immediately. He replaces Doug Hucker, who left the position in March after more than two decades heading the organization. (Hucker has since been named CEO of the International Colored Gemstone Association.)
Ford will relocate to Dallas by the end of the month, AGTA confirmed.
He previously served on AGTA’s board of directors as a member and as treasurer and has 38 years of experience in the industry.
Based in Galveston, Texas, Ford is the owner of The Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford, which is centered on black opals from Lighting Ridge in Australia, but will move on from that business so he can focus on his new role, AGTA said.
He’s also an American Gem Society member, a Lightning Ridge Mining Association member, and a longtime AGTA member who has won multiple Spectrum Awards.
Ford brings more than a decade of corporate governance experience to the role, having served in leadership roles ranging from chairman of the Port of Galveston to serving as the president of the Galveston Independent School District, among other leadership positions.
He graduated from Texas A&M University with a specialized degree in international trade and finance and is an alumnus of the Gemological Institute of America.
“I am very honored by the confidence in my leadership expressed by [AGTA] President [Kimberly] Collins and the AGTA board of directors,” Ford said.
He added: “We will put our firm members interests first, with increased emphasis on developing retail memberships. The industry will see a reinvigorated AGTA increasing the promotion of natural colored gemstones and pearls, while perpetuating the highest ethical industry standards.”
Collins said: “Ford was selected as the ideal candidate to lead AGTA after a professionally managed comprehensive search interviewing many applicants, including Ford. John’s knowledge of AGTA’s operations along with his corporate governance experience made him the clear choice.”
She added, “John’s vision of AGTA is aligned with AGTA’s executive committee, and he has developed a very close working relationship and trust with the officers, the board, and the Dallas staff.”
Related stories will be right here …
The appointment is effective immediately. He replaces Doug Hucker, who left the position in March after more than two decades heading the organization. (Hucker has since been named CEO of the International Colored Gemstone Association.)
Ford will relocate to Dallas by the end of the month, AGTA confirmed.
He previously served on AGTA’s board of directors as a member and as treasurer and has 38 years of experience in the industry.
Based in Galveston, Texas, Ford is the owner of The Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford, which is centered on black opals from Lighting Ridge in Australia, but will move on from that business so he can focus on his new role, AGTA said.
He’s also an American Gem Society member, a Lightning Ridge Mining Association member, and a longtime AGTA member who has won multiple Spectrum Awards.
Ford brings more than a decade of corporate governance experience to the role, having served in leadership roles ranging from chairman of the Port of Galveston to serving as the president of the Galveston Independent School District, among other leadership positions.
He graduated from Texas A&M University with a specialized degree in international trade and finance and is an alumnus of the Gemological Institute of America.
“I am very honored by the confidence in my leadership expressed by [AGTA] President [Kimberly] Collins and the AGTA board of directors,” Ford said.
He added: “We will put our firm members interests first, with increased emphasis on developing retail memberships. The industry will see a reinvigorated AGTA increasing the promotion of natural colored gemstones and pearls, while perpetuating the highest ethical industry standards.”
Collins said: “Ford was selected as the ideal candidate to lead AGTA after a professionally managed comprehensive search interviewing many applicants, including Ford. John’s knowledge of AGTA’s operations along with his corporate governance experience made him the clear choice.”
She added, “John’s vision of AGTA is aligned with AGTA’s executive committee, and he has developed a very close working relationship and trust with the officers, the board, and the Dallas staff.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on PointOriginally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearAllison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
