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10th May 2002
HARUKO FUKUDA TO LEAVE THE WORLD GOLD COUNCIL
The World Gold Council announced today that its Chief Executive, Haruko
Fukuda, will be leaving on 30th June 2002, shortly after the conclusion
of her three year contract, which expired in March.
Soon after she took up her appointment, the British Government announced
its plan to sell more than half of its gold reserves. As the price of
gold fell to its lowest level in 20 years, she set about restoring credibility
to gold as an important monetary reserve asset; bringing new fashionability
to gold jewellery; and igniting renewed interest in gold investment. The
Washington Agreement on Gold, signed in September 1999, set an historic
precedent in the international co-ordination of central bank reserve management.
It proved to be the turning point for the gold market in recent years.
A year ago, she launched for the World Gold Council a new visual branding
campaign, "Glow with Gold", to modernise gold's image and to
increase its appeal in contemporary perception.
Haruko Fukuda said: "I have very much enjoyed working on gold - both
an intellectual challenge and an aesthetic pleasure. I am glad to see
the gold market in a far better state now than when I took over as CEO
of the World Gold Council. There is a genuine mood of optimism amongst
the followers of gold, quite unlike the overwhelming gloom prevailing
when I first joined the Council. The tone of press articles has much improved.
Gold jewellery is also making a strong return to the fashion scene and
gaining market share. I would now like to move on and find a new opportunity
and challenge. I wish the gold producers and the WGC continuing success".
Chairman of the World Gold Council, Chris Thompson (Chairman and CEO of
Gold Fields Limited), said: "I would like to thank Haruko for the
many contributions she has made to the World Gold Council and for the
improved respect and recognition she has brought to this international
organisation.
The World Gold Council will soon be entering a new phase in its existence
and is looking to restructure and remodel itself".
Haruko Fukuda will assist with the transition until a new CEO is appointed
and will remain associated with the WGC as Adviser.
Ends
Enquiries to:
Keith Irons
Bankside Consultants, London (44) (0) 20 7444 4155 / 07885 356 639 (cell)
01256 389 298 (home)
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