The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Jean-Marc Lieberherr Leaving Rio Tinto
He is being replaced by Simon Trott, the managing director of Rio Tinto’s salt and uranium businesses.
Perth, Australia--Jean-Marc Lieberherr is leaving Rio Tinto after a decade in the company’s diamonds business, in what Rio Tinto described as a restructuring of its Diamonds & Minerals group.
Lieberherr had been managing director of Rio Tinto’s diamonds business since September 2013 and had been with the mining company a total of 10 years, working in diamonds the entire time.
He also is on the World Diamond Council board of directors and is the chairman of the Diamond Producers Association, the group that came together earlier this year and works to increase demand for mined diamonds among consumers, particularly millennials.
RELATED CONTENT: The DPA and the Potential to Love Diamonds
When contacted by National Jeweler Tuesday, Lieberherr declined to comment on his future plans.
Replacing Lieberherr is Simon Trott, who has been managing director of Rio Tinto’s salt and uranium business since March 2015 and will retain that position even as he assumes responsibility for the diamonds unit.
Trott has more than 18 years of experience in the mining industry.
In announcing the transition, Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals Chief Executive Alan Davies stressed that there is “no change” in the company’s commitment to the diamond industry, its customers and other industry partners.
Diamonds, however, remain a very small percentage of Rio Tinto’s overall business and is one the miner has tried to divest in the past, only to later drop those plans.
Last year, the Rio Tinto sold its stake in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. It still has the Argyle mine in Australia, a 60 percent stake in the Diavik Mine in Canada and the Bunder diamond exploration project in India.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.