SourcingMay 26, 2022
Q&A: Deciphering De Beers’ Blockchain PlatformSourcingOct 11, 2022
De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver to Step Down in 2023
Cleaver, who has headed De Beers Group for more than six years, will be replaced by energy executive Al Cook.
Bruce Cleaver, left, will step down from his position as De Beers Group CEO early next year but remain with the company as co-chairman. Al Cook, right, is slated to become De Beers’ new CEO. Cook is currently the executive vice president of exploration and production international at energy company Equinor ASA.
London—Bruce Cleaver will step down from his role of CEO of De Beers Group in early 2023 and will be succeeded by energy industry executive Al Cook, the company announced Monday.
Cleaver has headed De Beers for more than six years, stepping into the role in July 2016 to replace Philippe Mellier. (He also served as interim co-CEO in 2010-2011, between Gareth Penny and Mellier, the man he eventually replaced.)
During that time, Cleaver oversaw several key initiatives at the company, including the launch of lab-grown diamond brand Lightbox in 2018; the creation of blockchain platform Tracr; the launch of the world’s largest and most sophisticated marine diamond mining vessels, including the “Benguela Gem;” and the establishment of “Building Forever,” De Beers’ dozen sustainability goals for 2023.
He also guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic.
After he steps down as CEO, Cleaver will become co-chairman of De Beers, serving alongside current Chairman Duncan Wanblad, chief executive at Anglo American, the mining conglomerate that owns 85 percent of De Beers.
Wanblad said: “[Cleaver] has successfully steered De Beers through a period of considerable change over the last six years, including leading the way through technology to provide consumers with absolute assurance of the ethical provenance of their diamonds.
“Bruce has successfully expanded De Beers’ horizons for the longer term and reinforced the company’s unquestioned leadership position, exemplified by De Beers’ Building Forever sustainability framework to ensure an enduring positive diamond legacy. I look forward to his contribution as co-chairman, ensuring the greatest continuity for the business and our partners and stakeholders.”
Related stories will be right here …
Cleaver has headed De Beers for more than six years, stepping into the role in July 2016 to replace Philippe Mellier. (He also served as interim co-CEO in 2010-2011, between Gareth Penny and Mellier, the man he eventually replaced.)
During that time, Cleaver oversaw several key initiatives at the company, including the launch of lab-grown diamond brand Lightbox in 2018; the creation of blockchain platform Tracr; the launch of the world’s largest and most sophisticated marine diamond mining vessels, including the “Benguela Gem;” and the establishment of “Building Forever,” De Beers’ dozen sustainability goals for 2023.
He also guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic.
After he steps down as CEO, Cleaver will become co-chairman of De Beers, serving alongside current Chairman Duncan Wanblad, chief executive at Anglo American, the mining conglomerate that owns 85 percent of De Beers.
Wanblad said: “[Cleaver] has successfully steered De Beers through a period of considerable change over the last six years, including leading the way through technology to provide consumers with absolute assurance of the ethical provenance of their diamonds.
“Bruce has successfully expanded De Beers’ horizons for the longer term and reinforced the company’s unquestioned leadership position, exemplified by De Beers’ Building Forever sustainability framework to ensure an enduring positive diamond legacy. I look forward to his contribution as co-chairman, ensuring the greatest continuity for the business and our partners and stakeholders.”
Cook will join De Beers Group with more than 25 years’ international leadership experience, primarily at BP—where he worked in various roles for 20 years, including as chief of staff to the CEO—and at Equinor ASA, an energy company based in Norway.
He currently is leading Equinor’s multi-billion-dollar exploration and production business in 12 countries across Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
Prior to that, he was in charge of the company’s global strategy and business development, which included developing its net zero strategy.
Cook holds an MA in natural sciences from St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, and completed the International Executive Programme at INSEAD in France.
He is a trustee of the charity The Power of Nutrition, which helps address malnutrition in children in Asia and Africa.
“I congratulate Al Cook on his appointment as CEO of De Beers,” Wanblad said. “I believe Al’s multi-disciplinary strategic skillset and strong personal conviction and values are ideally suited to the nature of De Beers, a global business that spans much of the spectrum, from exploration and mining to Bond Street and Madison Avenue.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsSep 26, 2023
Sally Nelson, Founder of Exclusively Diamonds, Dies at 86The former teacher, described as “a pioneer for women-owned businesses,” opened her own jewelry store in 1980.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
Instore Announces Dates for 2024 Show The annual event will return to Rosemont, Illinois next August.
SurveysSep 26, 2023
Mastercard Makes Its 2023 Holiday PredictionAccording to SpendingPulse, retail sales will increase in November and December but not necessarily for jewelers.
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your StaffAwareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.
WatchesSep 26, 2023
Citizen Launches the Tsuki-Yomi A-T TimepieceAccording to the watchmaker, it features the first light-powered atomic timekeeping moon phase movement.
Weekly QuizSep 21, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
2023 Spectrum Awards Entry Deadline ExtendedThe contest is now open for submissions until Oct. 10.
CrimeSep 25, 2023
Oregon Jeweler Accused of Selling Lab-Grown Diamonds as NaturalPolice say Douglas Wayne Gamble also swapped natural diamonds for synthetic stones and failed to return customers’ repairs.
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog SolutionsDo you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2023
Neil Lane’s Latest Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds The designer just launched a new bridal range at Kay Jewelers.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Hearts On Fire Taps Mejuri Exec as CCOYunjo Lee has also worked on collections for Tiffany & Co. with Paloma Picasso and Frank Gehry.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Second Generation Takes On New Roles at Sylvie JewelrySteve Levine joins the family-owned company, while his brother Gary has a new position.
MajorsSep 22, 2023
David Yurman Alleges These Two Companies Copied Its DesignsThe company has filed complaints against Royal Chain and Samuel B.
TrendsSep 22, 2023
Piece of the Week: Yun Yun Sun’s ‘Puzzle’ Ring The two-stone style benefits from two-toned metal.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2023
HardRock Summit To Relocate In 2024The event is moving just outside of Denver.
WatchesSep 21, 2023
Timex Wants Your Old WatchThe company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.
GradingSep 21, 2023
Retailers Warned About Fraudulent Email Purportedly From GIA The lab confirmed it did not send the message.
AuctionsSep 21, 2023
Hindman Appoints New SVP, Director of Jewelry and WatchesReginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.
MajorsSep 21, 2023
Artistry’s 2024 Catalog Has ShippedIt features colored gemstone, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver jewelry styles.
Lab-GrownSep 20, 2023
Lab-Grown Diamond Outlook: Price Declines Aren’t a Deterrent Some Indian manufacturers think the potential in this young, evolving market outweighs current price concerns.
SourcingSep 20, 2023
New Surat Diamond Bourse To Be World’s Largest Office Complex The massive space spans 7.1 million square feet with more than 4,000 offices and 131 elevators.
Policies & IssuesSep 20, 2023
Creating a Brighter Future for the Differently Abled GIA is among the supporters of a new school building for children with special needs.
SurveysSep 20, 2023
Why Bain and Deloitte Think Sales Will Grow This Holiday SeasonFrom holiday spending to inflation’s impact, here’s what analysts are forecasting for the season.
MajorsSep 20, 2023
Tiffany Collabs With Fellow LVMH-Owned Rimowa The jeweler and luxury luggage company have teamed up on jewelry cases and a suitcase.
GradingSep 20, 2023
Navneet Gems Introduces Portrait-Cut RubiesThe geometric collection is on view now at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong Show.
AuctionsSep 19, 2023
‘Bleu Royal’ Diamond to Fetch $35M-$50M at Auction The 17.61-carat stone leads Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva this November.
CrimeSep 19, 2023
Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison Following Bear Spray RobberyThe suspect used bear spray to subdue employees and bystanders then stole $800,000 worth of jewelry.
GradingSep 19, 2023
Fuli Gemstones Unveils New Peridot CutThe ‘Fuli Cut’ is based on an antique cushion.
