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John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
On June 30, Gemological Institute of America Chief Financial Officer David Tearle (left) will retire after 17 years in the position. John Cowley (right) has been hired as his successor and started at GIA on Monday.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America announced that John Cowley has joined the lab as chief financial officer, effective Monday.
He succeeds David Tearle, who is retiring at the end of June after 17 years as GIA’s CFO. Tearle will remain with the lab in an advisory role until then.
Cowley is a chartered accountant who holds a degree in modern history from Oxford University and a law degree from the University of London.
He comes to GIA after serving as CFO of Solvd, a global software services company based in Walnut Creek, California.
He has 25 years of experience in leadership roles with international software and medical technology firms, as well as nonprofit and public sector organizations.
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He succeeds David Tearle, who is retiring at the end of June after 17 years as GIA’s CFO. Tearle will remain with the lab in an advisory role until then.
Cowley is a chartered accountant who holds a degree in modern history from Oxford University and a law degree from the University of London.
He comes to GIA after serving as CFO of Solvd, a global software services company based in Walnut Creek, California.
He has 25 years of experience in leadership roles with international software and medical technology firms, as well as nonprofit and public sector organizations.
He has served on audit committees and led finance and operations functions.
Throughout his career, Cowley has “strengthened financial oversight, transparency, and stakeholder trust in highly regulated environments,” GIA said.
Tearle started at GIA as CFO in 2009.
He sat on the board of directors and served as treasurer of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance from 2013 until 2026.
During his 17-year tenure at GIA, the lab said Tearle “provided exemplary financial stewardship and guidance, supporting GIA’s global expansion and the development of innovative laboratory and educational services and programs.”
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