Lab-GrownJan 20, 2023
Siobhán Duffy Promoted to Chief Executive of Element Six Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO
Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
De Beers Group-owned lab-grown diamond company Lightbox has promoted Adam O’Grady to the newly created position of chief operating officer.
New York—Lightbox has promoted Adam O’Grady to the newly created position of chief operating officer.
O’Grady previously served as general manager of the Element Six team operating the Lightbox Lab since 2019, playing a major role in the design and construction of the $94 million, purpose-built diamond-growing factory in Gresham, Oregon. The facility opened in 2020.
He will report to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde, who took the reins in November 2022.
“We are fortunate to have a depth of expertise, leadership and talent in Adam,” said Borde. “He is a transformational leader with deep knowledge of the lab-grown diamond category, and with the inception of the COO role, I am confident his expertise will help unlock further growth potential for Lightbox.”
In his new role, O’Grady will oversee end-to-end operations at Lightbox, from the rough stone stage to final distribution.
“I am incredibly energized to take on this new challenge and very enthusiastic about the future of Lightbox and what we can accomplish,” said O’Grady.
“I see potential for further growth and value creation, and I look forward to working closely with Antoine and the team as we continue to deliver on our objectives.”
Related stories will be right here …
O’Grady previously served as general manager of the Element Six team operating the Lightbox Lab since 2019, playing a major role in the design and construction of the $94 million, purpose-built diamond-growing factory in Gresham, Oregon. The facility opened in 2020.
He will report to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde, who took the reins in November 2022.
“We are fortunate to have a depth of expertise, leadership and talent in Adam,” said Borde. “He is a transformational leader with deep knowledge of the lab-grown diamond category, and with the inception of the COO role, I am confident his expertise will help unlock further growth potential for Lightbox.”
In his new role, O’Grady will oversee end-to-end operations at Lightbox, from the rough stone stage to final distribution.
“I am incredibly energized to take on this new challenge and very enthusiastic about the future of Lightbox and what we can accomplish,” said O’Grady.
“I see potential for further growth and value creation, and I look forward to working closely with Antoine and the team as we continue to deliver on our objectives.”
O’Grady has nearly two decades of experience in operations, global supply chain management, and chemical, mechanical and industrial engineering.
He has a B.A. in engineering and chemical engineering from University College in Dublin, Ireland.
Before joining Lightbox, he worked at Element Six, De Beers’ industrial supermaterials and synthetic diamond business.
O’Grady served in several general management and senior project roles, working at facilities in South Africa, China and the U.K.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated post-publication to clarify what O'Grady will oversee in his new role.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
MajorsAug 26, 2024
Longtime Industry Sales Trainer Lenny Zell Dies at 97Said to be the first to write a jewelry sales manual for the industry, Zell is remembered for his zest for life.
WatchesAug 26, 2024
IWC Is Sending Its Watches to SpaceThe company outfitted the Polaris Dawn spaceflight crew with watches that will later be auctioned off to benefit St. Jude’s.
AuctionsAug 23, 2024
Abernethy Pearl Tops Estimates at Auction A buyer paid more than $100,000 for the gemstone known as “Little Willie,” setting a new auction record for a Scottish freshwater pearl.
Brought to you by
Watch: Natural Diamonds: A Great (but Often Untold) Geology StorySupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
CollectionsAug 23, 2024
Piece of the Week: Gumuchian’s Colorful ‘Spectrum’ NecklaceAnita Gumuchian created the 18-karat yellow gold necklace using 189 carats of colored gemstones she spent the last 40 years collecting.
Weekly QuizAug 23, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 22, 2024
2,492-Carat Diamond Recovered From Botswana Diamond MineThe giant gem came from Karowe, the same mine that yielded the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona and the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond.
TrendsAug 22, 2024
Kaley Cuoco Has a Three-Stone Engagement Ring With a TwistThe three-stone ring was designed by Shahla Karimi Jewelry and represents Cuoco, her fiancé Tom Pelphrey, and their child.
Brought to you by
Watch: Forging the Next Generation of Skilled Bench Jewelers at GIASupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsAug 22, 2024
Greenwich St. Jewelers Collabs with TikTok Jewelry Content CreatorThe Manhattan jewelry store has partnered with Xarissa B. of Jewel Boxing on a necklace capsule collection.
TechnologyAug 21, 2024
Instagram’s Notes Feature Expands to Posts, ReelsActing as temporary virtual Post-it notes, Notes are designed to help strengthen mutual connections, not reach new audiences.
TrendsAug 21, 2024
Carol Woolton To Release New BookThe jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.
TrendsAug 21, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shimmy and ShakeFrom fringe and tassels to pieces that give the illusion they are in motion, jewelry with movement is trending.
IndependentsAug 20, 2024
Mixed-Media Jewelry Artist Jan Yager Dies at 72The designer and maker found community around her Philadelphia studio and creative inspiration on the sidewalks below it.
ColumnistsAug 20, 2024
Google Ads Payment Policy Change: What It Means For YouThe change to accepted payment methods for Google Ads might seem like an irritation but actually is an opportunity, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
IndependentsAug 20, 2024
Pat Henneberry Releases MemoirThe industry consultant’s new book focuses on what she learned as an athlete recovering from a broken back.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2024
The Ethical Gem Fair Is Going to CaliforniaThe fair will take place on the West Coast for the first time, hosted by Altana Fine Jewelry in Oakland, California.
MajorsAug 20, 2024
Kathy Hillelson Joins Board of WJA Foundation Hillelson is a second-generation diamantaire and CEO of Owl Financial Group.
Events & AwardsAug 19, 2024
Nominations Are Open for the 2025 Gem AwardsSubmissions in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Excellence will be accepted through this Friday, Aug. 23.
AuctionsAug 19, 2024
Scotland’s Famed Abernethy Pearl Is Up for Sale Known as “Little Willie,” it’s the largest freshwater pearl found in recent history in Scotland and is notable for its shape and color.
IndependentsAug 19, 2024
Kentucky Jeweler Closing After 89 YearsClements Jewelers in Madisonville cited competition from larger retailers and online sellers as the driving factor.
SourcingAug 19, 2024
A&C Gem Trading Corp. Relocates, Opens Wholesale ShowroomThe gemstone company is moving to the Ross Metal Exchange in New York City’s Diamond District.
CrimeAug 16, 2024
Jewels Stolen During Green Vault Heist Back on DisplayMost of the 18th century royal jewelry taken from the Green Vault Museum in Dresden, Germany, in 2019 went back on display this week.
IndependentsAug 16, 2024
Louis Anthony Jewelers Announces First Resort StoreThe Pittsburgh jeweler has opened a store in the nearby Nemacolin resort.
CollectionsAug 16, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jonne Amaya’s ‘Cat Claw’ NecklaceWith a 40-carat cabochon emerald, this necklace is as powerful and elegant as a cat.
Events & AwardsAug 16, 2024
IJO Names Jewel-Craft as VIP Vendor of the YearThe Erlanger, Kentucky-based company was recognized for its reliability when it comes to repairs and fast turnaround times.
SourcingAug 15, 2024
Greenland Ruby Is Up For SaleUnable to pay its debts, the ruby and sapphire miner is looking to restructure and become a “competitive and attractive” company.
TrendsAug 15, 2024
Paola De Luca to Debut Trendbook 2026+ at VicenzaoroThe trend forecaster’s latest guide has intel on upcoming trends in the jewelry market.
