Gemfields Grou. Regulatory News (GEM)

12 Feb 2009 07:00



Gemfields Resources Plc

("Gemfields" or the "Company") 

Board Appointments

12 February 2009

Gemfields is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Ian Timothy Harebottle (46) as CEO. Mr Harebottle assumes his responsibilities with immediate effect. 

Mr Harebottle, a veteran of the coloured gemstone industry, joined what became Tanzanite One Limited ("T1") as Operations Director in September 2001. He was appointed CEO of T1 in April 2005 and served in that capacity until February 2008. 

Sean Gilbertson, who was appointed as Interim CEO of Gemfields on a part-time basis on 6th June 2008, will remain on the board of Gemfields as an Executive Director and will continue to be actively involved in Gemfields' future development.

Sean Gilbertson said "It is a distinct pleasure to welcome someone of Ian's calibre as CEO of Gemfields. He has a wealth of experience, is well respected in the coloured gemstone industry and was instrumental in pioneering many of the industry's most innovative strategies. I look forward immensely to working with him".

Ian Harebottle said: "Despite the prevailing market conditions, Gemfields is poised to deliver on one of the most exciting strategies in the coloured gemstone industry. It is a great privilege for me to be joining this exceptional team."

There is no information in relation to Mr. Harebottle's appointment required pursuant to Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM rules for Companies other than as set out in the Appendix to this announcement.

For more information:

Richard James, CFO richard.james@gemfields.co.uk

Gemfields Resources Plc Tel: +44 (0)20 7016 9416

Mike Jones/Tarica Mpinga Tel: +44 (0)20 7050 6500

Canaccord Adams Limited

Charlie Geller/Ed Portman Tel: +44 (0)20 7429 6666/ +44 (0) 7528 233 383

Conduit PR

Appendix 

Disclosures for the purposes of Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM rules for Companies Declaration of Directorships2(g) (ii) Previous Directorships: TanzaniteOne Limited and principal subsidiaries (from 2001 to 2008) as Executive Director and CEO

2(g) (ii) Current Directorships:

Forty Five Holdings (T) Limited (2008 to present) as Managing Director