John Cowley Joins GIA as Chief Financial Officer

Experienced executive to succeed retiring CFO David Tearle

CARLSBAD, Calif. – April 2, 2026 –  GIA (the Gemological Institute of America) has named John Cowley, a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of global financial and operational experience, as the Institute’s next chief financial officer (CFO), effective April 6. He succeeds longtime CFO David Tearle, who will remain in an advisory role until he retires from GIA on June 30. 

“John Cowley is an impressive and important addition to GIA’s executive team,” said GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel. “His international experience, financial expertise and disciplined leadership make him exceptionally well-suited to the role."

Cowley is a Chartered Accountant; he holds a degree in modern history from Oxford University and a law degree from the University of London. Prior to joining GIA, he served as CFO of California-based Solvd, a global software services company. His career spans 25 years of progressive leadership roles across international software and medical technology firms, as well as nonprofit and public sector organizations, where he served on audit committees and led finance and operations functions. Throughout his career, he has strengthened financial oversight, transparency and stakeholder trust in highly regulated environments.

“I am eager and excited to join GIA,” said Cowley. “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.” 

Tearle joined GIA as CFO in 2009. For 17 years, he provided exemplary financial stewardship and guidance, supporting GIA’s global expansion and the development of innovative laboratory and educational services and programs. He was a member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Jewelers Security Alliance from 2013 until 2026. 

“GIA owes much of its financial stability to David Tearle,” said Patel. “He developed a skilled and dedicated team, built robust processes across all GIA locations and put his financial acumen, professional and collegial demeanor, and dry wit in the service of our mission.”