IGI Appoints New Global CEO

by Julius Zheng

Tehmasp Printer, new Global CEO of IGI. Photo courtesy of IGI.

Tehmasp Printer has more than 30 years of experience in managing and leading businesses. He has been with IGI for 24 years, most recently as Managing Director of IGI India, and was instrumental in introducing IGI’s grading and certification practices to India’s gemstone and jewelry industries.

Roland Lorie, current CEO, said: “Selecting Tehmasp as the new leader of IGI was effortless – he has been with IGI for more than two decades and knows the business inside and out. He brings a commitment to excellence and innovation that can help propel the company into its new chapter. On behalf of my family, we are incredibly proud of the stellar reputation, teams, and trust that we’ve built over the last 50 years. I feel it’s the perfect time to pass on the baton to new leadership, and my best wishes are with Tehmasp.”

Roland Lorie. Photo courtesy of IGI.

Printer said: “I am honored to take on this new role, working closely with IGI’s management team and Blackstone to continue to support the growth of IGI’s footprint and technological capabilities. Roland and the Lorie family have left a lasting legacy for the business, which today has become a world leader in the certification of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and colored stones. I am confident that with Blackstone’s scale, expertise, and track record of building phenomenal businesses, IGI can continue to pave innovation in the industry and provide confidence to manufacturers, retailers and consumers around the world.”

Founded in 1975 in Antwerp by the Lorie family, IGI is a global leader in independent certification of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry, with a global footprint of 29 laboratories and 18 schools of gemology across 10 countries. IGI is the world’s first gemological laboratory to hold ISO accreditation in both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Since 2005, IGI has pioneered the certification of lab-grown diamonds, paving the authentication and standardization of a rapidly growing industry.

In earlier reports in May 2023, private equity company Blackstone  has fully acquired IGI from China's Fosun (80% stake) and the Lorie family (20%)  for about $570 million.

About the author

Julius Zheng is a jewellery industry analyst and senior consultant to various important firms and institutes. He has developed various projects that connect China’s diamond, coloured gemstones and jewellery sectors with international markets, including organising over 40 China Jewellery Delegations. As a gemologist and educator, he has developed international gemological educational programs. 

Formerly General Manager of Rapaport China, he has over 20 years’ international working experience in Asia and North America. He is also a member of the Executive Board of Bangkok Diamonds and Precious Stones Exchange (WFDB affiliated).