The institute has announced Johanna Levy is the first vice president of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs.

Levy has spent more than a decade meeting and exceeding ESG goals for other companies, GIA said.

Previously, she worked at Firmenich, the largest privately-owned flavor and fragrance company. There, she was the senior director of global environmental excellence. Prior to that, she was the North America director of sustainability.

In these roles, she created company-wide programs, client-facing projects, and collaborations with non-government organizations and ESG risk-rating agencies all dealing with supply chain transparency and net positive impact.

Before that, she worked in either an in-house capacity or as a consultant for brands including Google, Nestle, and the World Gold Council. 

Levy also has career experience in marketing and marketing communications. 

She has a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies with a concentration in environmental sciences from Harvard; a Master of Science in sustainability management from Columbia; and a Master’s degree in management from ESCP Europe.

At GIA, Levy will report to Pritesh Patel, senior vice president and chief operation officer. Levy will work with teams across GIA. She will be based in New York. 

“Establishing a broad ESG program led by such a talented, experienced and passionate professional will connect our community and business goals, driving positive results for communities, the industry and GIA, and advancing our important consumer-protection mission,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. 

“Johanna’s work successfully managing award-winning ESG strategies and initiatives will move GIA and the industry further on the path to a more sustainable future.”

Levy said, “GIA is in a unique position to advance the development and implementation of programs and practices that will lead to greater transparency and a more sustainable future for the gem and jewelry industry.

“I look forward to helping the institute build on its strong foundation of integrity and trust.”