Management and Board Update

RNS Number : 8219S

Gem Diamonds Limited

28 June 2018

 

28 June, 2018

GEM DIAMONDS LIMITED

("Gem Diamonds" or "the Company")

Management and Board Update

Gem Diamonds Limited (LSE: GEMD) announces that its Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Johnny Velloza, has advised of his intention to leave the Company as an executive on 15 September 2018.  As intended, Johnny will join the Board on 1 July, initially in an executive capacity and from 15 September 2018 onwards, as a Non-Executive Director. 

Johnny will be taking up a position as Joint Chief Executive Officer in a large copper and cobalt company operating in the DRC.  A search for his successor is underway and a further announcement on succession plans will be made in due course.  In the interim, Gavin Beevers will join the Company as technical advisor from 1 July during the handover period and beyond.  Gavin is an ex De Beers technical director, who has spent 10 years on the Gem Diamonds' Board and is well versed in the Company's operations.  Gavin will continue to support the new Chief Operating Officer as required.

The Gem Diamonds Limited LEI number is 213800RC2PGGMZQG8L67

Gem Diamonds' CEO, Clifford Elphick commented:

"We are sorry to see Johnny leave our Company as an executive but look forward to his ongoing contribution as a Board member in the future.  We are most grateful to him for his key role in the transformation process which the Company will continue to pursue, to generate further strong returns to our shareholders.  We appreciate that this is a great opportunity for Johnny and wish him all the best in his new role."

Johnny Velloza commented:

"It is with great regret that I leave Gem Diamonds as an executive officer after working through a very significant turnaround process which has seen enormous progress and is on track to deliver on the targets the Company has outlined.  I look forward to continuing to support the Company as a Non-Executive Director.  A tremendous opportunity has presented itself with additional scope for personal growth which I have chosen to accept."

For further information:

Gem Diamonds

Susan Wallace, Company Secretarial department

[e-mail]

Celicourt Communications

Mark Antelme / Joanna Boon

Tel: [phone]

About Gem Diamonds:

Gem Diamonds is a leading global diamond producer of high value diamonds. The Company owns 70% of the Letšeng mine in Lesotho and 100% of the Ghaghoo mine in Botswana. The Letšeng mine is famous for the production of large, top colour, exceptional white diamonds, making it the highest dollar per carat kimberlite diamond mine in the world.  www.gemdiamonds.com

 

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