Gemfields’ Gilbertson has to step down
JOHANNESBURG – Gemfields board chairperson Brian Gilbertson is to step down as director and chairperson next Monday as the JSE listed company prepares to obtain a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market.
The group said yesterday that the process of obtaining the listing highlighted the father-and-son relationship with his son Sean, Gemsfield chief executive was a potential impediment to robust corporate governance.
“By stepping down from the board, the issue is obviated,” the global coloured gemstone producer said.
Gilbertson, a former BHP Billiton chief executive, said he had served on the board for more than 12 years and the company had grown into the world’s leading supplier of coloured gemstones.
“Gemfields today is in a sound financial position with a clear strategy to unlock value for share- holders as a ‘pure-play’ African coloured gemstone producer,” said Gilbertson.
Source: iol.co.za
