The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has appointed Brad Brooks-Rubin as the Global Director of Development and Beneficiation, a new role introduced at GIA, reports say.

Rubin has served as Special Advisor for Conflict Diamonds in the U.S. Department of State and as Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.. His experience on conflict minerals and gems spans working with industry, government and civil society, reports say.

In his role at the GIA, Rubin will join the development team to work with entities like non-governmental organizations, trade groups and government agencies, and expand the GIA beneficiation efforts in gem producing regions, reports say. His experience also includes having worked in matters of trade sanctions, export controls, and international trade laws and regulations and has been awarded the Jewelers Vigilance Committee's Stanley Schecter Award, reports say.