Kropz Appoints Ian Harebottle As CEO Designate

Harebottle was CEO of AIM-listed Gemfields from February 2009 until its acquisition by Pallinghurst Resources in July 2017. Under his leadership, Gemfields grew to become a leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones with assets in Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Madagascar, the company said in a statement. The company transitioned from a loss-making business with revenues under $1m to an international multi-asset business that generated EBITDA of $69m from revenues of $193m in 2016. Harebottle is also credited with transforming the coloured gemstone business including a significant increase in coloured gemstone consumption and appreciation amongst discerning international consumers.

According to Kropz founder Mike Nunn, Harebottle has built a reputation as being a positive ‘disruptor’ and one to challenge traditional practices. “We believe Kropz is ideally suited to his skillset to bring about a new player in the African plant nutrient sector.”

Kropz has an advanced stage phosphate mining project in South Africa and a downstream plant nutrient distribution business, which has the ability to contribute towards feeding sub-Saharan Africa for generations, the company said.