Sourcing

GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

SourcingFeb 20, 2025

GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

Kirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.

Kirit Bhansali
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council has named Kirit Bhansali as its new chairman.
Mumbai, India—The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has named a new chairman as well as other elected officials.

Kirit Bhansali was appointed as chairman after former chairman Vipul Shah reached the end of his term.

Bhansali, who previously was the vice chairman of GJEPC, is a partner in Smital Gems, a diamond manufacturing company based in Mumbai. He is also chairman of India Jewellery Park in Mumbai.

Previously, he served as chairman of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery.

In a release from GJEPC, Bhansali outlined his goals as he takes the reigns of the organization.

“Our vision is to drive transformative growth for India’s gem and jewellery industry through strategic initiatives, innovative projects, and collaborative efforts,” said Bhansali.

The goal is to position India as a leader in technology, design, and manufacturing, he said, highlighting the need to advance projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai and the Gem Bourse in Jaipur.

“Together, we will strive to achieve the ambitious export target of $100 billion by 2047, aligning with our Honorable Prime Minister [Narendra Modi]’s vision of a Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Viksit Bharat refers to a nationwide campaign by the Indian government to transform India into a “developed nation” by 2047, the centennial of its independence.

"We aim to sustain India’s global leadership, capitalize on domestic market potential, and advocate for favorable policies while continuing to support our artisans,” he said.

To bolster exports from the sector and support the country’s economic growth, GJEPC has identified 17 key clusters, based on size, potential, and location, that could be developed into “thriving export hubs,” said Bhansali.

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Shaunak Jitendra Parikh has been appointed as vice chairman of GJEPC.

The third-generation entrepreneur is one of the directors of Mahendra Brothers Group of Companies, which manufacture and market diamonds and diamond jewelry.

Shaunak Jitendra Parikh
GJEPC has named Shaunak Jitendra Parikh, a director at Mahendra Brothers Group of Companies, as its new vice chairman.


Parikh, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, has previously held several key positions in GJEPC, including serving as the convener of the banking, insurance, and taxation committee, as well as the convener of international exhibitions.

He also laid out his plans for the GJEPC.

“This is a crucial time for the industry, and the challenges before us demand bold vision and decisive action,” said Parikh.

“It is imperative to focus on category promotion across all verticals, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and adopting global standards to ensure our industry remains competitive on the world stage.”

Parikh said GJEPC will continue to work with the Indian government to shape policies that drive growth and address the concerns of its exporters.

The organization also announced the members of its Committee of Administration, with a list available on its website.

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