Douglas Hucker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), has announced his departure from the association, effective 2nd March, 2022.
AGTA has been under the leadership of Hucker for the past 24 years. Hucker came to AGTA after serving as President and partner of The Registry Ltd., a firm specialising in antique and estate jewellery. With an extensive background in coloured gemstones and education, he is noted for launching many careers in the jewellery industry with his guidance and insight into the many facets of the trade.
AGTA has grown to become a leader in coloured gemstone sales, education, designer brand recognition and the important annual gem trade show, the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson; with the latest additions to the line-up being the Las Vegas Gem and Jewelry Show and The Hard Rock Summit in Denver.
Hucker helped put the AGTA brand to work in many areas of global education and important business practices such as gemstone treatment disclosure, origin importance, affiliation with groups such as CIBJO, the Women’s Jewelry Association, the Gemological Institute of America, Gem-A, Platinum Guild International, the Diamond Council of America and Jewelers of America, to name a few.
Kimberly Collins, AGTA President, said, “As more than two decades of service ends with Doug’s departure, we know there will be stories recollected for years to come of his involvement in the coloured gemstone industry and all who have encountered him on personal and professional matters. He is a respected friend to many, and his leadership will be remembered as AGTA moves into the next phase of growth and development. The AGTA Board of Directors wishes Doug and his family good health, prosperity and the best for their future endeavours.”
The AGTA Board of Directors will begin the process of selecting a CEO soon. In the meanwhile, Kimberly Collins will serve as the interim CEO.