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
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
