SourcingJul 12, 2023
CEO of Diamond Miner Lucapa Stepping DownGradingAug 07, 2023
IGI CEO Roland Lorie to Step Down This Fall
Tehmasp Printer will take over as global CEO of the lab, which is now owned by a private equity firm.
Roland Lorie, left, is stepping down as global CEO of the International Gemological Institute, the lab his family founded in 1975. Tehmasp Printer, who has been with IGI for 24 years, will take his place. (Photos courtesy IGI)
Antwerp—International Gemological Institute CEO Roland Lorie is set to step down this fall and Tehmasp Printer, who currently heads the lab’s operations in India, will take his place, IGI announced Monday.
The announcement comes less than three months after private equity firm Blackstone paid more than $500 million to acquire the lab from a subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate Fosun and the Lorie family.
Fosun held an 80 percent stake in the business, while the remaining 20 percent belonged to the Lories.
Marcel Lorie started IGI in Antwerp in 1975 and served as CEO until 2006, when Roland took over.
Roland has worked at the lab for a total of almost five decades, helping it expand internationally and “playing a pivotal role in cementing its reputation as a pioneer in the certification of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, colored stones and finished jewelry.”
IGI currently has 29 laboratories and 18 gemology schools in 10 countries.
Related stories will be right here …
The announcement comes less than three months after private equity firm Blackstone paid more than $500 million to acquire the lab from a subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate Fosun and the Lorie family.
Fosun held an 80 percent stake in the business, while the remaining 20 percent belonged to the Lories.
Marcel Lorie started IGI in Antwerp in 1975 and served as CEO until 2006, when Roland took over.
Roland has worked at the lab for a total of almost five decades, helping it expand internationally and “playing a pivotal role in cementing its reputation as a pioneer in the certification of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, colored stones and finished jewelry.”
IGI currently has 29 laboratories and 18 gemology schools in 10 countries.
Printer has been with IGI for 24 years, most recently serving as managing director of IGI India.
IGI said he was instrumental in introducing its grading and certification practices to the gemstone and jewelry businesses in India.
Roland said Printer “knows the business inside and out.”
“Selecting Tehmasp as the new leader of IGI was effortless … He brings a commitment to excellence and innovation that can help propel the company into its new chapter.
“On behalf of my family, we are incredibly proud of the stellar reputation, teams, and trust that we’ve built over the last 50 years. I feel it’s the perfect time to pass on the baton to new leadership, and my best wishes are with Tehmasp,” Roland said.
Printer’s appointment will be effective Oct. 1. Roland will remain CEO until then and be involved with the transition.
More on Grading
The Latest
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
