DTC Botswana Appoints Tabake Kobedi as Managing Director

Kobedi, who is currently the group finance manager for Debswana, will begin his tenure on January 10, 2012. He succeeds Brian McDonald, who led DTC Botswana for four years.

According to a press release, Kobedi will spend the first nine to 12 months of his new role gaining a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the mid-stream and downstream parts of the diamond value chain.

As such, he will spend considerable time visiting the cutting centers to meet Sightholders and industry stakeholders, and will travel regularly to associated DTC offices.

During the transition position, Paul Rowley, currently the DTC’s executive director for Sorting, Valuing and Purchasing, will serve as acting managing director of DTC Botswana.

“We are delighted with Tabake’s appointment as the first Motswana to lead DTC Botswana. With the eyes and energy of the diamond world increasingly focused on Botswana and the upcoming move of the DTC, we are excited about the experience and skill that Tabake will bring to DTC Botswana,” said Varda Shine, CEO of DTCI.

With the plan to transition the DTC’s London-based sales activity to Gaborone by the end of 2013, DTC Botswana is becoming increasingly important to the diamond industry.