People: Many facets for PDF boss

Ambitious mining man Boris Kamstra has taken over in the CEO hot seat at emergent diamond producer and explorer Pangea DiamondFields (PDF). His ascent to the top position of the AIM-quoted counter follows the personal decision of erstwhile boss Brett Thompson to relocate with his family back to Australia.

Kamstra, a relatively youthful 46 and a PDF man since 2006, looks suitably well qualified for the role, having previously been operations manager for the company’s projects in South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Schooled in civil engineering disciplines and with bags of project management experience in his locker, Kamstra’s CV includes key roles in the construction of a number of mines, dams and roads, involving ‘large earthmoving operations throughout Africa’. He has also previously undertaken projects for the Land Bank of South Africa, as well as helping a number of private companies either return to profit or set up new ventures.

As for Thompson, he stays on full time in a consulting role for the rest of 2009 to ensure the handover runs smoothly, and thereafter he’ll remain involved as a non-executive director.

Shares in Pangea DiamondFields, whose diverse projects span the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Angola, are currently swapping hands for a lowly 1.58p, valuing the business at £28.1 million.