In a move aimed at sharpening its operational edge, International Gemological Institute Limited has named Manu Sharma as Chief Operating Officer, with effect from July 14, 2026. The appointment, approved by the board on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, signals IGI’s intent to accelerate growth and deepen its leadership capabilities as it scales its gemological and retail initiatives.
Sharma brings more than two decades of leadership experience in retail, brand management, and strategic growth. He most recently served as Group Vice President at Reliance Brands Limited, where he oversaw a premium portfolio of global brands, drove strategic partnerships, and led major expansion initiatives. His academic background includes a B.Tech in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Fashion Management from NIFT, New Delhi, underscoring a blend of technical rigor and consumer-focused insight.
Colleagues note Sharma’s track record as a strategist of organizational growth, a capability IGI is likely to lean on as it broadens its footprint and forges stronger brand collaborations. Beyond the boardroom, Sharma is described as someone who blends professional rigor with creative interests in architecture, design, and travel—traits that could align with IGI’s emphasis on premium positioning and design-forward partnerships.
IGI’s leadership move places a seasoned operator at the helm of day-to-day functions, reinforcing the company’s push into larger-scale partnerships and market expansion. With Sharma steering the operational agenda, IGI will be watching closely to see how this seasoned executive translates strategy into scalable execution across its global footprint.