Gemfields CEO to step down

Gemfields has announced its chief executive Sean Gilbertson is to step down from the board on 15 July.

Chief financial officer David Lovett will take over as interim chief executive while the board seeks a permanent successor. Lovett, who has served as chief financial officer for the past eight years, will continue in that role alongside his interim chief executive responsibilities. The board said the arrangement is intended to provide leadership continuity while maintaining focus on the company’s operational and strategic priorities.

The leadership change has been agreed by mutual consent with the board, and the nominations committee will begin a formal recruitment process to identify a permanent chief executive in due course.

During the interim period, non-executive chairman Bruce Cleaver will take a more active role in supporting the management team and the wider business. The company said it will provide further updates on the succession process in due course.

Gemfields said: “The board would like to thank Sean for his contribution to the company and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”