Gemological Institute of America named Howard M. Pomerantz, former executive director of Kerr Products, as Executive Director of GIA GEM Instruments.

Pomerantz, who was raised in his family’s retail jewelry business in Studio City, Calif., has worked professionally in the gem and jewelry industry for 30 years. His most recent experience includes 12 years with Kerr Products, a major equipment supplier to the jewelry industry. After joining Kerr as sales and marketing director in 1990, Pomerantz held positions of increasing responsibility, eventually being named the firm’s executive director. His career with Kerr included positions as executive vice president and general manager of KerrLAB, in which he was responsible for development and implementation of strategic plans, financial management, and product development worldwide. Pomerantz also provided North American and overseas clients with distribution strategies by creating an educational marketing approach.

“I am delighted to welcome Howard to GIA’s Executive Team,” said GIA President William E. Boyajian. “With his extensive experience in the industry, especially in sales, marketing, and international distribution, I am confident he will add significantly to our instrument development and service to the industry.”

In discussing his main focus at GEM Instruments, Pomerantz said, “To satisfy our customers’ toughest requirements, GEM will be investing heavily in research engineering talent to develop innovative instruments that will withstand a lifetime of use while delivering the highest level of satisfaction to professionals throughout the industry.”

In the Spring of 2002, Pomerantz earned a Masters Degree (PKE/MBA) in International Business from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Business. He was accepted into the university’s prestigious Presidential-MBA program, designed for presidents and key executives, in 2000.

Pomerantz is involved in numerous industry associations and is completing his third term as a member of the Board of Directors of the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA). Pomerantz has served as a guest lecturer at industry forums ranging from the MJSA Expo, to trade conferences in Switzerland, Italy, China, Russia, and India.

Pomerantz and his wife of 22 years, Georgia, reside in Newport Beach, Calif. Their son, Mark, is majoring in business and menswear fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

JCK