Gemfields Resources PLC said it appointed Ian Timothy Harebottle as chief executive officer with immediate effect.
Sean Gilbertson, who was appointed as interim CEO of Gemfields on a part-time basis on in June 2008, will remain on the board as an executive director and will continue to be actively involved in Gemfields' future development.
Harebottle joined what became Tanzanite One Limited as operations director in September 2001. He was appointed CEO of T1 in April 2005 and served in that capacity until February 2008.
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.”