Aberdeen Mourns Passing of Board Member Ken Taylor
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 16, 2015) - Aberdeen International Inc. ("Aberdeen", or the "Company") (TSX:AAB) regrets to announce the passing of Ken Taylor O.C., a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since December 2014. Mr. Taylor was a diplomat and businessman from Calgary, Alberta and as the former Canadian Ambassador to Iran, he was best known for his role in the 1979 covert operation that helped save the lives of six American hostages during the Iran Crisis.
After returning from Iran, Taylor was appointed Canadian Consul-General to New York City. From 1959 to 1984, Mr. Taylor's served in the Canadian Foreign Service where he was involved in trade development responsibilities. Since his resignation from the Foreign Service in 1984, he worked extensively in the private and public sectors, providing counselling services to clients on issues of political risk, international marketing and strategic accommodation with government. He held executive positions and served as a board member for a range of companies in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Stan Bharti, Executive Chairman of Aberdeen International and close personal friend of Mr. Taylor gave these heart-felt words when he learned of his passing:
"I first met Ken in the mid-nineties and enticed him to join the board of a gold company I was running at that time. Charming, debonair and very urbane, Ken brought discipline and balance to the Board and things got done harmoniously. Of course Ken loved to travel. At short notice, he would be on a plane, flying around the world. And no matter how late the flight or time difference, he was there, always on time, dressed impeccably in surprisingly unwrinkled suits and shirts, looking every inch the diplomat.
Ken had been living in New York for some time and introduced me to all his network and contacts in that great city. Asking Ken to plan a business lunch or dinner or a function in New York was a special treat. He would ask me about the guests, their backgrounds, and carefully choose a restaurant and plan the menu--complete with the wine list-and often go there ahead of time. The guests were then pre-seated according to a well thought out plan to create the best atmosphere for execution of the business plan we had discussed. Ken, with his impeccable suits and distinguished curly hair, was a great host.
Ken supported me and the companies he got involved with to the end. When gold markets crashed in the late nineties, he stayed on and refused to resign, even though the Company had difficulty meeting its directors' liability insurance payments. Sometimes, when the business wanted to explore opportunities in a new country, Ken would head up the delegation from the Board, set up unbelievably powerful meetings and then make sure deals got done.
Whenever I go to New York, he is my first call. I'm not sure who I will have lunch with or a drink after work, now that he is gone.
Ken's passing is a great loss for Canada, for all of us at Aberdeen, and for me personally. We will miss you my friend. You taught me the art of getting things done with charm and patience."
Aberdeen's Board and Management wish to extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Taylor and all of the Taylor family.
Cautionary Notes
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding, proceeds to be received on closing or subsequently, the ability of the Company to generate additional value for shareholders as a result of such transactions, past success as an indicator of future success; net asset value of the Company; the potential of investee companies and the appreciation of their share price; the Company's plan of business operations; industry opportunities and dynamics and anticipated returns. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are beyond the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact
Aberdeen International Inc.
Rob Hopkins
Manager, Investor Relations
+1 416-861-5899
info@aberdeeninternational.ca
Aberdeen International Inc.
David Stein
President and Chief Executive Officer
+1 416-861-5812
dstein@aberdeeninternational.ca