The visionary founder and leader of Garaude has been named twice in the 2024 Business Worldwide CEO Awards. Francois Garaude was named Most Innovative CEO in the Coloured Gemstones Industry Growth Strategy CEO of the Year - France
As with preceding years, this years CEO awards seek to recognise and honour the Most Respected C-level executives across the globe from a variety of different sectors. Instead of focusing on a companys success, as many do, here the spotlight is on the success of individuals who make the corporations tick- namely senior executives such as CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors and senior-level management. The intention is to give a worthy individual the recognition he/she deserves as well as to use their example to inspire other companies and business leaders to achieve similar success.
A Paris -based leader in the gemstone industry, Garaude is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing. With Francois Garaude at the helm, the company has set new standards in the trade of coloured gemstones, blending innovation with a deep respect for the art and ethics of the industry.
Francois Garaudes journey into the gemstone world began over four decades ago in Bahia, Brazil , where a chance encounter with an emerald ignited his passion for gemstones. This pivotal moment set the course for a career that would take him to the gemstone-rich regions of Sri Lanka , Burma , and Colombia . In Mandalay, Myanmar , Garaude discovered a treasure trove of rubies, sapphires, and jade, which had yet to be fully appreciated in Europe . His keen eye for quality and authenticity led him to introduce these unique gems to the global market, reshaping the industry and establishing Garaude as a name synonymous with excellence.
Garaude has always been ahead of its time in advocating for transparency and ethical practices in the gemstone industry. Long before these principles became widespread, Garaude pioneered the concept of traceability, ensuring that every gemstones journey from mine to market was documented and ethical. This commitment to responsible sourcing earned the company recognition as one of Les echos magazines top 65 Champions of Growth in 2024, with a remarkable 280 growth from 2019 to 2022.
