Matthew Tratner (pictured) has been appointed the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) new global director of business development, the organization announced today.

Tratner has served as director of membership and sales for Jewelers of America (JA) since 2013, as well as publisher of National Jeweler since 2015. the same year JA purchased the publication.

Tratner takes over the role from Craig Danforth, who earlier this month announced he was leaving the GIA after 10 years to join Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. as vice president of client solutions.

As JCK reported Friday, Regina Ciarleglio will replace Tratner as JA’s director of membership. National Jeweler has not yet announced a new publisher.

At GIA, Tratner will be based in New York City and will report to Anna Martin, GIA senior vice president of global business development and beneficiation. In his new role, Tratner will be responsible for “expanding and deepening GIA’s relationships with retailers and other stakeholders,” according to a statement.

“I am delighted to join the talented team at GIA,” said Tratner in the same statement. “I look forward to taking on new challenges, creating opportunities, and being part of GIA’s development and continued growth.”

Tratner has 15 years of jewelry industry experience. Before joining JA, he was a chief operating officer and partner at e-commerce site GemsAround.com and a sales and operations executive at Maya J Jewelry.

Tratner earned a Bachelor of Arts from Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and also has an Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma (AJP) from GIA. In 2015, he was inducted into the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States.

“Matt’s industry experience will play an invaluable role as we work to meet the needs of the gem and jewelry industry, and further our mission of ensuring the public trust,” said Martin in the statement

(Photo courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America)

Rob Bates

JCK News Director