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
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
