Richard Molyneux, president and ceo of De Beers Canada Inc., has announced his retirement, effective at the end of April. He will be replaced by Jim Gowans who will be joining the diamond giant’s Canadian subsidiary on March 27.

Molyneux has had a 35-year career with Anglo American and De Beers, the last six spent at the helm of De Beers Canada. He began his career as an exploration geologist, working in various areas of South Africa. During his time with De Beers he distinguished himself by demonstrating a knowledge and aptitude for the many complex aspects of diamond exploration and mining.

He held a number of positions within De Beers including resident geologist at Premier Mine, chief geologist at Namaqualand Mines, then general manager of Namaqualand Mines and general manager of Central Mines in Kimberley where he had overall responsibility for the Kimberley, Koffiefontein and Finsch mines, before becoming president and CEO of De Beers Canada in 2000.

De Beers, in a statement, said that Molyneux is recognized for his deep commitment to sustainable development and sound environmental management and he has always sought to make a positive difference to the communities associated with the projects and mines he has had responsibility for.

Molyneux’s replacement, Gowans, has a career in the mining industry that spans 30 years. He has worked for large mining companies including Inco, Placer Dome, and Cominco. He is a Canadian who has was previously the senior vice president and chief operating officer of PT Inco in Indonesia.

JCK