The 20-year career of Bill Boyajian as president of the Gemological Institute of America came to an abrupt end in May with his resignation after a meeting of the board of directors. Boyajian is the most high-profile casualty of the diamond-grading scandal that has tarnished the image of the venerable grading laboratory.
GIA's senior vice president and general counsel Donna Baker will serve as GIA's acting president until a permanent replacement is found. The board has formed a special committee to search for a permanent president, said board chairwoman Helene Fortunoff, adding that Baker is a candidate for the permanent position. The search process is expected to take three to six months, said chairman Ralph Destino. (See page 37 for Baker's bio.)
Boyajian himself wasn't implicated in any violations of GIA's policy, and a GIA statement said Boyajian will stay on as a consultant to en