Board of directors
Executive directors
Adonis Pouroulis
Executive Chairman
Adonis Pouroulis, aged 39, is a mining entrepreneur whose expertise lies in the discovery and exploration of mineral resources such as diamonds, gold, platinum, coal and base metals - including iron ore, copper and bauxite - and bringing these assets into production. Mr Pouroulis founded Petra Diamonds in 1997 and it became the first diamond company to float on AIM. Mr Pouroulis has, with his fellow directors, built Petra into South Africa’s second largest diamond producer, with a balanced portfolio combining major producing mines and world-class exploration.
Johan Dippenaar
Chief Executive Officer
Johan Dippenaar (CA), aged 52, has nearly 20 years experience in the leadership and management of diamond mining companies. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Petra, he was CEO of Crown Diamonds which merged with Petra in 2005. Mr Dippenaar and his colleagues have led Petra through a period of extraordinary growth, during which time the Company reached agreement to acquire four major mines from De Beers. Petra now has a production base of global significance as well as a world-class diamond resource base. Mr Dippenaar is a chartered accountant by profession and a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
David Abery
Finance Director
David Abery (ACA), aged 47, is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW), who brings to Petra extensive experience as a Chief Financial Officer in both the South African and UK business environments, as well as an in-depth knowledge of AIM. Mr Abery has been integral to the structuring and deliverance of strategic group corporate development at Petra, as well as the instigation of a number of innovative financing mechanisms, which have limited dilution for Petra’s shareholders. Mr Abery is an instrumental member of the Petra team, driving strategic and commercial business development and linking in closely with the London market.
Jim Davidson
Technical Director
Jim Davidson, aged 64, is an acknowledged world authority on kimberlite geology and exploration, having spent in excess of 30 years associated with diamond exploration and mining, of which 20 years have included mine management in South Africa. As Head of Diamond Exploration in Southern Africa for BP Minerals (subsequently Rio Tinto) in the 1980’s, Mr Davidson pioneered research into kimberlite indicator mineral chemistry and microdiamond analysis, thereby establishing criteria for the prediction of diamond grade based on these parameters, and set up an international database of kimberlites/lamporites before doing inter-group disseminations on this subject matter. He is a qualified geologist and a member of the Geological Society of South Africa and registered with the SACNASP.
Non-executive directors
Dr. Omar Kamal
Dr. Kamal, aged 37, is a Managing Director of Al Rajhi Holdings W.L.L. (Al Rajhi), Petra’s largest shareholder. At Al Rajhi, Dr. Kamal is responsible for identifying, managing and participating in strategic investments and joint venture projects. His current portfolio includes investments across various sectors/asset classes such as mining and minerals, financial institutions and international equities.
Charles Segall
Charles Segall, aged 68, is a director of the Atlantic Trust Company Limited of South Africa where he specialises in providing trustee services. He is admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the Chairman of Petra's Audit and Remuneration committees.
Petra Diamonds is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance practices and constantly reviews its practices to ensure that its standards are in compliance with the required regulatory regimes.