No one in this generation has had a greater impact on the gem and jewelry industry than Bill Boyajian. In his 31-year tenure with the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the last 20 years as its President, he impacted the lives and careers of thousands of people and left a lasting legacy of leadership. He is largely credited for taking the Institute to its preeminent global position today.
When GIA’s Board of Governors needed a leader to take them into the future, they selected Boyajian at the age of only 34. When the U.S. Congress needed an expert to testify on the controversial conflict diamond issue, they called on Bill Boyajian. When business leaders were confronted with the threat of synthetics and treatments in gemstones, they rested confidently in the leadership that Boyajian would provide.
Arguably one of the most knowledgeable and sought-after leaders in the gem and jewelry industry, Boyajian takes that expertise to new heights with the publishing of his book, Developing the Mind of a Leader — Your Path to Lead and Inspire People. In it, he expresses his philosophy of leadership and shares principles and values that served him so well over a decorated career.
Boyajian’s newest book, Family Business Succession Planning – The Last Piece in Your Company Transition, shares insights and a formula developed from years of coaching and consulting many family business owners. Designed for owners who want to pass their business on to the next generation, this is a must read for those who want to understand and appreciate the elements that go into an effective succession.
An internationally respected author, educator, speaker, and business coach, Boyajian consults for leading companies in the jewelry industry and business community, and is in demand as a keynote speaker by prominent groups from both within and outside the jewelry trade. He holds numerous positions on boards, both for-profit and non-profit: IceCap, LLC, a company tokenizing fine quality diamonds and jewels; Director on the Stuller, Inc. Advisory Board; Director on the S.H. Silver Advisory Board; Trustee of the Armenian Jewellers Foundation Board; Chairman of the Board of the non-profit Mercury Free Mining; Board Director of Ellansa, a digital platform for designing, manufacturing, and selling custom fine jewelry.
Bill is a proud member of: 24Karat Club of the City of New York, 24Karat Club of Southern California, American Gem Society, and the World Presidents Organization.
Awards:
– Robert M. Shipley Award from the American Gem Society, 2013
– Honorary Life Membership Award from the Armenian Jewelers Association, 2007
– Excellence in Service Award from the 24 Karat Club of Southern California, 2006
– Ben Kaiser Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association, 2005
– Triple Zero Award from the American Gem Society, 2002
– Honorary Life Membership Award from the American Gem Trade Association, 1999
– Vanguard Award from the New York Diamond Industry Steering Committee, 1991
Boyajian resides in Carlsbad, CA with his wife, Joyce. They are active members of North Coast Church in Carlsbad and have two adult children, Rebecca and David. Boyajian enjoys golf, fishing, sports, gardening, bridge, writing, and speaking.
