Looks like GIA is going through a thorough reshuffling of its senior employees and their designations. Mr Tawfic Farah has been recently appointed as the Head of International operations by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

For this newly formed designation, Farah is expected to take care of all the international activities at GIA and would report to its president Donna Baker.

On the other hand, GIA VP, education, Brook Ellis, is also planning to take a new role at GIA as executive advisor to assist with transitional issues until his full retirement in June 2009.

GIA's present Course Director, Duncan Pay, has also been appointed to a newly formed designation of Chief Academic Officer.

Prior to woeking with GIA Farah has worked with the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC) where he served as executive director for diamonds and coloured stones since June 2004.