The Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Southern African office will have a new appointment to the post of Managing Director. Marie-Josée Trépanier will be joining the office effective February 1, 2008. Her scope of responsibilities lie with providing on-site project management and in-country guidance for upcoming facilities and to support functions for Southern Africa (South Africa and Botswana) and similar future projects.%%Trépanier has been CEO at Polygon DMCC in Dubai, where she promoted developetn of the business in Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong and China, Middle East, Asian and North American offices. She will begin her office at GIA South Africa with initially being at the Dubai office from where she would also plan for business development.