Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations
Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

GIA announced Thursday that Natarajan is now senior vice president of laboratory operations.
He assumed his new responsibilities in early August and reports to Pritesh Patel, who also took on a new role in early August.
Patel is now GIA’s president and CEO, succeeding Susan Jacques.
As SVP of laboratory operations, GIA said Natarajan will lead and establish the vision and direction for its laboratory operations, including diamond grading and jewelry services.
Patel said Natarajan is a “dynamic leader” who understands the lab’s mission and the needs of its clients.
“As we continue to introduce new technologies and processes to advance efficiency, and develop new laboratory products and services, his expertise, insight, and experience will be invaluable,” Patel said.
GIA said it expects to announce who will succeed Natarajan as managing director of GIA India in the fourth quarter.
Natarajan started working at GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. in 2017 as vice president of laboratory operations, bringing with him three decades of operational and leadership experience across various international industries.
He was promoted to managing director in 2020, overseeing all GIA’s education and laboratory activities in India and reporting to GIA India’s board of directors.
“It is an honor to take on responsibility for overseeing GIA’s gemological laboratories,” Natarajan said.
“I look forward to working with our teams and clients to deliver high-quality laboratory services and uphold the standards of excellence that GIA is known for.”
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