Roger Kebble has resigned from the board of Simmer and Jack mines, it was announced on Thursday.
Kebble told the gold-mining company his decision was prompted by the need to spend more time with his family following the murder of his son Brett in September.
”The impact of Brett’s death on his children, wife, mother and immediate family has been immense,” Kebble said.
”With the advent of the festive season, it has become increasingly clear that my grandchildren need my time and attention and that I need to be more available to them.
”In addition, the manner of his death, which remains unexplained, and its timing have left many matters unanswered and which may have unintended consequences.”
Kebble will be replaced by Nigel Brunette, who takes over as independent non-executive chairperson.
Formerly a merchant banker with Rand Merchant Bank, Brunette became involved with the takeover of Randgold in 1994 and subsequently served on its board of directors for several years. He moved to the Eastern Cape in 1997, where he now farms.
Simmers chief executive, Gordon Miller, said the company owes its continued existence to Kebble’s vision.
”Roger played a key role in getting the company to this point. He gathered the team and offered the vision and guidance necessary to make it a success.
”I am delighted that he has agreed to stay on as a consultant so that we may continue to benefit from his vast experience and expertise in turning around marginal gold mines.”
Kebble rose to prominence in the early 1990s when he played an instrumental role in the successful takeover of Randgold and Exploration, and was later involved in the development and listing of Randgold Resources on the London Stock Exchange. — Sapa