De Beers Names New Head for Operations in Canada, South Africa
Thembinkosi Moses Madondo joins the diamond company after 23 years with gold miner AngloGold Ashanti.

Thembinkosi Moses Madondo joins De Beers from gold mining company AngloGold Ashanti, where he served as senior vice president for innovation and technology.
Madondo is a mechanical engineer who has 23 years’ experience in the mining industry.
He started at AngloGold in 1998 and has held various senior positions and executive roles during this time, including engineering manager, process manager, general manager, and senior vice president.
Prior to his current role as SVP for innovation and technology, Madondo headed AngloGold Ashanti’s South Africa operations.
De Beers parent company Anglo American once held a stake in AngloGold Ashanti but sold off its remaining shares in 2009.
De Beers said Madondo has leadership experience and a proven track record of delivery, particularly when it comes to leading underground mining operations, and overseeing safe operations.
“He is the ideal candidate to lead our managed operations business as we continue the successful delivery of the $2 billion Venetia underground project in South Africa and maintain strong operational performance at Gahcho Kué mine in Canada,” De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver said in a press release.
“His expertise will be essential as we continue to deliver the benefits of our FutureSmart Mining program, while ensuring we remain steadfast on our ambitious Building Forever sustainability commitments.”
Madondo holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Cape Town and has completed an Advanced Management Program through Harvard Business School.
He recently served on the Board of the Minerals Council South Africa and Rand Refinery Limited.
Madondo is slated to start at De Beers on Jan. 1, succeeding Nompumelelo “Mpumi” Zikalala, who, as previously announced, is leaving De Beers to become CEO of Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore business.
The Latest

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.


The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.






















