GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). Jacques received the award during a gala dinner ceremony at the end of the 19-22 May ICA Congress in Brasilia.

ICA President Damien Cody said, “Susan has contributed to our industry in many roles, always with exceptional dedication and professionalism. While she has accomplished much throughout her career, what stands out most to me is her genuine warmth and kindness—qualities that have earned her deep respect and affection across all levels of our field. As she prepares to retire from GIA at the end of the year, her impact will continue to resonate for generations.”

Doug Hucker, ICA CEO, added: “Susan is a prime example of generational leadership excellence. We have been honoured to work with her for so many years. While she may step away from her role at the GIA, she will endure as a model for countless leaders in our industry.”

Susan Jacques said: “I am truly honoured and extraordinarily privileged to have been a part of this incredible industry for more than 45 years now. This is a tremendous honour – very unexpected, but I am delighted to have the recognition for what has been a very blessed career.”

Susan Jacques became GIA’s president and CEO on 1 January 2014, after serving as interim CEO for six months. Earlier, she was a member of the GIA Board of Governors since 1996; she was Chair of the Board from 2008 to 2014. As CEO, she continued as a member of the Board. Jacques will retire as GIA President and CEO at the end of 2025.