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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
