GJEPC Appoints Vipul Shah as New Chairman

India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has appointed Vipul P Shah its new chairman to hold office over the next two years, Rapaport reports. Shah replaces outgoing chairman Rajiv Jain, while Pankaj Parekh will serve as his vice chairman to replace Sanjay Kothari.
Vipul Shah is the managing director and chief executive officer of Asian Star Co. Ltd., a large diamond manufacturer and jewelry distribution company. GJEPC noted that he brings to the position widespread knowledge of current business trends and insight about the diamond market.
“His expertise in financial matters remains undisputed and his strategic vision, business acumen and professional conduct have contributed significantly in transforming his manufacturing company to a value-added, vertically integrated business partner,” the council stated. “He has been instrumental in establishing the company’s jewelry business as a global distribution network, which currently is considered to be one of the best in the industry.”
In the past, Shah has served as the convener of the GJEPC’s banking, insurance and taxation committee and has also been a member of the committee of administration for the past two years.
Parekh, a mechanical engineer by training, has worked in the jewelry business since 1988. He was the first person from east India to be elected the council’s central managing committee in 1997 and has since held several positions in the central and regional committees of the GJEPC.