Rockwell Diamonds has appointed James Campbell, a former vice president of Lucara Diamond Corporation, as president and CEO effective June 1, the company has announced.

Campbell has also worked as managing director of African Diamonds until that company was acquired by Lucara and played a key role in securing a mining license for the AK6 project, Lucara's main diamond project in Botswana.

Campbell also has over 20 years experience with diamond mining giant De Beers.

Commenting on his new position, Campbell said that Rockwell Diamonds had was "on the verge of delivering on its growth potential."

Rockwell Chairman David Copeland said the company was "delighted" to welcome its new CEO, who brought a "wealth of experience" in the diamond sector at a time when the company sought to increase production to 10,000 carats per month.