Diamond Fields International has appointed Kenneth E. Hecker to the positions of chief operating officer and chief financial officer, effective immediately. Mr. Hecker joins Diamond Fields International to guide the process of exploring and developing the company’s international diamond and nickel projects, while seeking opportunities to acquire new economic mineral projects worldwide.
Mr. Hecker was most recently the vice-president, finance, for Doe Run Peru, where he oversaw all financial functions, plus information systems and business development activities for a smelting and mining operation with 4,300 employees and revenues of $450-million (U.S.). He was also responsible for the evaluation and negotiation of new business opportunities and contracts.
Previously, Mr. Hecker spent 12 years at Kennecott Corporation (Rio Tinto PLC subsidiary), including seven years as director, planning and business development for Kennecott Exploration Company. Mr. Hecker states: “I view Diamond Fields International as a unique opportunity to build a significant diamond and nickel producer in an orderly series of steps. This begins with the resumption of diamond mining in Namibia and grows with additional exploration and acquisitions. I am excited about the growth prospects for Diamond Fields International.”
Diamond Fields’ president and chief executive officer, Gregg Sedun, added: “We are very pleased to have Ken join the company as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. He brings to Diamond Fields 25 years of experience in managing acquisitions, exploration, development, financing and operation of mines, as well as a senior management track record of success with complex mining projects. He is exceptionally well qualified for these positions, both in his work experience with Kennecott and Doe Run Peru, and in his educational background, including a master of business administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a master’s of geology from the University of Florida. Mr. Hecker will be an outstanding addition to our management team.”
WARNING: The company relies upon litigation protection for “forward-looking” statements.
