SourcingAug 14, 2023
De Beers Mines First Diamonds From Venetia Underground SourcingAug 15, 2023
Lucara CEO Eira Thomas Replaced by William Lamb
The move comes after news surfaced that the Karowe mine’s underground expansion will take longer and cost more than expected.
Eira Thomas, pictured in a 2018 file photo, is out as president and CEO of mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. and replaced by former Lucara CEO William Lamb, who led the company from 2011-2018.
Vancouver, British Columbia—The board of Lucara Diamond Corp. announced it is appointing William Lamb president and CEO, replacing the diamond mining company’s co-founder, Eira Thomas.
Thomas started Lucara in 2007 with Swedish-Canadian billionaire Lukas Lundin and friend and mining executive Catherine McLeod-Seltzer after contributing to the discovery of the pipes that became the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada.
One of the few women chief executives in the largely male-dominated world of mining, Thomas had headed Lucara as president and CEO since 2018.
In a statement released late Monday, Lucara said Thomas has been “integral” to the success of the development and success of the company’s key—and only active—asset, the Karowe mine in Botswana.
It said: “The board would like to acknowledge the special contributions Eira has made over her many years of involvement with Lucara in her capacity as a director, and specifically over the last five years as CEO,” noting her spearheading of the company’s innovative sales agreement with manufacturer HB Antwerp and leading the commercialization of its digital sales platform, Clara.
“More recently under Ms. Thomas’ leadership, the Karowe Mine achieved peak operational performance and she and her team arranged for a senior secured project financing debt package of $220 million enabling the underground expansion to advance.”
While Thomas was integral to securing funding to take Karowe underground, the company recently announced the underground project will take longer and cost more than originally estimated.
Related stories will be right here …
Thomas started Lucara in 2007 with Swedish-Canadian billionaire Lukas Lundin and friend and mining executive Catherine McLeod-Seltzer after contributing to the discovery of the pipes that became the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada.
One of the few women chief executives in the largely male-dominated world of mining, Thomas had headed Lucara as president and CEO since 2018.
In a statement released late Monday, Lucara said Thomas has been “integral” to the success of the development and success of the company’s key—and only active—asset, the Karowe mine in Botswana.
It said: “The board would like to acknowledge the special contributions Eira has made over her many years of involvement with Lucara in her capacity as a director, and specifically over the last five years as CEO,” noting her spearheading of the company’s innovative sales agreement with manufacturer HB Antwerp and leading the commercialization of its digital sales platform, Clara.
“More recently under Ms. Thomas’ leadership, the Karowe Mine achieved peak operational performance and she and her team arranged for a senior secured project financing debt package of $220 million enabling the underground expansion to advance.”
While Thomas was integral to securing funding to take Karowe underground, the company recently announced the underground project will take longer and cost more than originally estimated.
Her replacement, Lamb, served as Lucara CEO from May 2011 to February 2018 and oversaw the construction of the original Karowe mine and its facilities.
He also was head at Lucara when the miner discovered and sold the 1,109-carat “Lesedi La Rona” diamond, which Graff Diamonds bought for $53 million in 2017.
The company said his experience is “ideally suited to advancing the company’s key underground project to a successful completion.”
Lamb has been working in mining project development and operations for 25 years.
Prior to heading Lucara, he spent a decade at De Beers, working for six of those as a process plant manager for De Beers Canada, and has served on the boards of several public mining companies.
The company confirmed that his appointment is effective immediately.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
