GIA appoints John Cowley as chief financial officer

John Cowley has been named chief financial officer of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), bringing over 30 years of global financial and operational management experience.

Cowley’s appointment is effective 6 April 2026. He succeeds David Tearle, who has served as the institute’s chief financial officer since 2009. 

Tearle will move into an advisory capacity to facilitate the leadership transition until his formal retirement on 30 June. 

Cowley previously served as the chief financial officer of Solvd, a software services firm, and has held senior positions across the medical technology and non-profit sectors. 

His remit at GIA involves overseeing global financial operations, maintaining regulatory compliance, and managing stakeholder transparency across the institute’s international laboratory and educational divisions.

The transition marks the conclusion of Tearle’s 17-year tenure, during which he managed the group’s financial stability and global service expansion. 

Tearle also held the position of treasurer for the Jewelers Security Alliance for over a decade. 

Cowley, a chartered accountant, joins the Carlsbad-based organisation with a background in modern history and law. 

His arrival is intended to strengthen financial oversight as GIA continues to develop its gemological research and educational programs. 

The institute operates in a highly regulated environment, requiring disciplined leadership to navigate international financial reporting standards and operational audits.

GIA continues to function as a primary authority in gemological grading and research. Under the new financial leadership, the institute plans to maintain its focus on innovative laboratory services and global stewardship. 

The executive team, led by the president and chief executive, will work with Cowley to integrate his experience from the software and technology sectors into GIA’s specialised industry model. 

Cowley said: “I am eager and excited to join GIA. Bringing my depth of experience to what is for me a completely new industry is very exciting. I look forward to working closely with, listening to and learning from my new colleagues.”