(IDEX Online News) – Dominion Diamond Corp has announced that Jim Gowans has been appointed as non-executive chairman of the board of directors with immediate effect.

Gowans was appointed to the board of directors in January, and replaces outgoing chairman of Dominion Diamond Corporation and the board, Robert Gannicott, who has retired from those positions but will remain a director of the company. Gowans has extensive experience in many parts of the mining industry including exploration, major projects, operations and human resources as well as extensive leadership experience both in Canada and internationally. Gowans is currently CEO of Arizona Mining Inc. and was previously managing director of Debswana Diamond Company in Botswana and CEO of De Beers Canada Inc.

“Jim’s extensive knowledge of the global diamond industry and mining, coupled with his operating experience of working in Canada’s North will complement the management team as we continue to realize the full potential of Dominion’s world-class diamond assets,” said Dominion chief executive Brendan Bell.

Gannicott led Dominion for 12 years and was instrumental in building the company from a junior exploration entity into the world’s third largest diamond producer, behind ALROSA and De Beers.

David Smith was appointed chairman of the audit committee, following his appointment to the board in February.