Editor’s Note
This press release from March 2020 announced the transition of Nirupa Bhatt from Managing Director of GIA India to an advisory role.
Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of GIA India, will transition into an advisory role, focusing on the GIA Diamond Origin Report.
Carlsbad, Calif. — March 12, 2020 — Nirupa Bhatt announced she will transition from her full-time role as Managing Director of GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. (“GIA India”), effective June 15. During Bhatt’s decade-long tenure as Managing Director, GIA India successfully expanded its operations.
Sriram Natarajan, currently Vice President of Operations for the India laboratory, who joined GIA in August 2017, will assume the role of Managing Director of GIA India, reporting to the GIA India Board. Prior to becoming Vice President of Operations for the India laboratory, Natarajan held operational and leadership roles in major international industries.
Apoorva Deshingkar, who joined GIA India in 2009, will assume the role of Senior Director of Sales for GIA India, reporting to Natarajan.
Sriram Natarajan, currently Vice President of Operations for the GIA India laboratory, will assume the role of Managing Director of GIA India.
Bhatt joined GIA India on January 1, 2008, responsible for developing education programs and laboratory services. Under her oversight, the GIA India laboratory in Mumbai was successfully launched. Additionally, GIA India’s education programs grew significantly. In 2018, GIA India opened a laboratory in Surat, a major diamond manufacturing hub, to serve clients there.
Bhatt is active in numerous industry trade organizations. Her many contributions to the industry have been recognized by multiple entities, including the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA) in New York, and the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA). Bhatt has served multiple times on judging committees for industry awards and founded the WJA India Chapter.
Prior to joining GIA India, Bhatt worked for 20 years with mining giant Rio Tinto, which owns the Argyle diamond mine in Australia and the Diavik diamond mine in Canada. She was also the administrator for the Indo Argyle Diamond Council.
