Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has announced appointments to its board including banking veterans and experts in the diamond industry. The state diamond trader said Yoram Dvash is the Chairman of the newly constituted board.
“With an impressive track record spanning global diamond trade, technology, investment and international economic development, Yoram brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to ODC,” the company said.
Another addition is Dr. Lesego Molapisi-Conrad, with career spanning sustainability, energy security, environmental management and innovation. Molapisi-Conrad is also a respected leader in sustainable development.
She has been credited with playing a pivotal role in shaping sustainability strategies and driving impactful change as the Founding Executive Director of The Transition Think Tank and former Group Manager: Innovation and Sustainability at Debswana.
“Her expertise, backed by a PhD in Economics (Energy Security), together with her contributions to policy, research and the just energy transition, will strengthen the board’s vision as we continue to create lasting value for Botswana and beyond,” ODC stated.
Veteran banker, Pius Molefe, has also been roped to the ODC board, whose wealth of experience, coupled with a strong track record in governance, financial management and strategic leadership, makes him a valuable addition to our Board.
With more than three decades of experience in banking, finance and public sector leadership, Molefe is widely respected for his contribution to Botswana’s financial services landscape.
“As former Managing Director of Botswana Building Society, he successfully steered the institution’s transformation into a licensed commercial bank, marking a significant milestone in its history.”
Lesley Bradley has also been welcomed to the ODC Board of Directors, bringing with her more than three decades of experience in Botswana’s financial services sector, and as result having had built an impressive career spanning corporate, commercial and investment banking.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Agora Microfinance Botswana, Bradley champions financial inclusion and innovative solutions that create meaningful impact for communities and businesses alike.
“Her strong leadership, extensive banking expertise and commitment to advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles make her a valuable addition to our Board.
“We look forward to the insight and perspective she will bring as ODC continues to drive sustainable growth and development.”
ODC also welcomed Michael Mogopa, a mining professional, entrepreneur, and business leader with over 30 years of experience in mining, mineral exploration, and consulting, including groundwater, information systems, and environmental planning and management.
“As Director and Co-Founder of Gomba Mining, and Co-Founder and Director of Serwe Mining and Pyro Carbon Energy, he has played a significant role in advancing Botswana’s mining and energy sectors. Before co-founding his companies, he built an accomplished career at Geoflux (Pty) Ltd, where he rose to Executive Director.”
Mogopa holds a BSc (Hons) in Geology from the University of Nottingham and an MSc in Geographical Information Systems from the University of Edinburgh. His extensive technical expertise, industry knowledge and strategic leadership continue to provide valuable guidance to the ODC Board.
According to ODC, as part of its induction programme, the newly appointed Board of Directors, led by Chairman Dvash, met with Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, to discuss the future of Botswana’s diamond industry and ODC’s role in delivering greater value for the nation.
The engagement gave the Board and Executive Management an opportunity to align on key priorities, strengthen collaboration, and gain valuable insights into Government’s vision for the minerals sector. Discussions focused on ODC’s strategic mandate, sound governance, sustainable growth, and opportunities to drive greater impact through Botswana’s diamond resources.