Grading

GIA Appoints New General Counsel

GradingMar 07, 2024

GIA Appoints New General Counsel

Attorney Brandon H. Pace will succeed Jennifer Wilson, who is retiring after serving as GIA’s general counsel since 2013.

Brandon H. Pace
The Gemological Institute of America has named Brandon H. Pace, an attorney with more than two decades of experience, as its new general counsel.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has appointed attorney Brandon H. Pace as its new general counsel.

Following a transition period, Pace will succeed Jennifer Wilson, who is retiring after serving as GIA’s general counsel since 2013.

Wilson will work closely with Pace to ensure a “seamless” handover of responsibilities and legal operations, said GIA.

Pace has more than two decades of legal experience in the financial and technology sectors with expertise in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic counsel.

In his new role, he will oversee all legal matters, including intellectual property and trademark protection, litigation, data privacy, risk assessment and mitigation, and contracting.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Prior to joining GIA, Pace was the chief administrative officer, chief legal officer and corporate secretary at fintech company LendingClub. Before that, he held leadership positions at eBay.

“Brandon’s extensive legal background and proven track record of driving strategic initiatives make him an invaluable addition to the Institute,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO.  

“As we welcome Brandon to the GIA team, we extend a huge heartfelt thank you to Jennifer Wilson for her decade of service and committed expertise at GIA and for her dedication to our mission.”
 
Pace shared his excitement at joining GIA’s executive team.
 
“I look forward to working with the talented team at GIA and contributing to our mission of consumer protection and industry leadership through excellence, integrity and innovation,” said Pace. 
 
He holds a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Brigham Young University. Pace is a member of the California and Utah Bars. 

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