Dominion Diamond Corporation announced the sad demise of Robert Gannicott at the age of 69 years. “It is a sad day at Dominion. Bob Gannicott was a visionary and a pillar of the Canadian diamond industry. He built the Company from the ground up, taking it from a junior mining company to what is it is today as Canada’s largest independent diamond producer. Bob was an exceptional leader as well as a good friend and mentor, he will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to work with him and to know him,” said Brendan Bell, Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Gannicott passed away after his extended battle with leukemia.

Mr. Gannicott was a member of the Board of Directors of the company since the company’s inception as a diamond company in 1992. He was Chairman of the Board from June 2004 until April 2016, and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from September 1999 to July 2015.

He steered the company through its growth following the company’s discovery and founding of the Diavik Diamonds Project in 1994 and 1995, the acquisition of the iconic American luxury diamond jewelry brand, Harry Winston, acquisition of the Ekati Diamond Mine and sale of Harry Winston. He helped return the company to its roots as a Canadian diamond miner. The Company was re-named Dominion Diamond Corporation.