Having graduated as a geologist from the University of Aberdeen in 1975, Ron spent twenty five years working for the Anglo American/De Beers Group. An early stint in deep-level gold mining in South Africa was followed by diamond exploration and mining in Namibia, Botswana, the People's Republic of China, Australia and Tanzania.

Ron's experience encompasses all the geological and treatment aspects of discovering and testing diamond deposits. He left De Beers at the end of 2000 as the Exploration Manager, Botswana and Tanzania, spending the following two years consulting on a variety of projects.  Thereafter he worked for DiamonEx Limited, where his exploration expertise resulted in advancing that company to emerging diamond producer status, and Everfor Diamonds plc, a Russia-focused diamond explorer. He was appointed CEO of Leland in February 2007.  Ron is responsible for the overall conduct of Leland's affairs including the conceptualization, design and implementation of the company's exploration and development strategy.