EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
GradingNov 01, 2019
Mark Buntz Joins GIA As SVP, Chief Marketing Officer
The marketing executive previously worked with digital media giants ESPN and NBCUniversal.
Mark Buntz is GIA’s new senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America announced Monday Mark Buntz has been appointed senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
He succeeds Kathryn Kimmel, who retired from GIA in August after nearly 30 years.
Buntz has more than 20 years of experience in media, entertainment and sports marketing.
He will lead GIA’s global marketing initiatives, including supporting the expansion of its education and laboratory services, and its consumer outreach program.
Previously, Buntz served as vice president of global brand marketing at TaylorMade Golf Company. He also has held leadership positions at ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Hulu.
“Mark brings invaluable expertise with leading companies, which have reached pinnacles of success in their fields,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO.
Buntz holds a Bachelor of Arts in broadcasting from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
He will be based at GIA’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California and report to Jacques.
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