Gem-A appoints Alan Hart as CEO

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has announced the appointment of Alan Hart as the association’s new CEO.

A former member of the Gem-A Council, Hart is currently head of Earth Sciences Collections at the Natural History Museum, London.

With a wealth of experience in the gem and mineral trade, Hart started his career at the Natural History Museum in 1981 as assistant minerals scientific officer, progressing to his current position of principal curator of gems and minerals and head of Earth Sciences Collections in 2012.

Hart is chair of the Museum’s collections committee and serves on various science executive boards.

In a statement acknowledging his appointment, Hart said: “I am truly excited at the prospect of being the CEO at Gem-A. Having been associated with [the association] for many years and having worked alongside many of the staff and the trustees, I am fortunate in knowing that they are as passionate about their work as I am.

“I want to ensure we continue to thrive by using all of our collective expertise to continue as the centre of excellence that is leading the way in delivering the highest quality gemmological education and training.” 

In a statement from the Gem-A council, newly-appointed chair Miranda Wells said: “Alan is an accomplished leader, with an innate ability to bring people of diverse backgrounds together through his collaborative and communicative approach.

“His professional background also provides broad experience in both mineralogical and gemmological circles, as well as a clear and deep understanding of the structure and position of Gem-A as an organisation and premier educational institution.”

Hart takes up his post on 1 June 2016.