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De Beers CFO Steps Down
Sarah Kuijlaars is leaving the company and will be replaced internally by Head of Planning and Business Development Richard Lawson.
De Beers Group Head of Planning and Business Development Richard Lawson (pictured) has been promoted to chief financial officer, succeeding Sarah Kuijlaars, who also is resigning from the board.
London—De Beers Group Chief Financial Officer Sarah Kuijlaars is leaving the company after three years, and De Beers has promoted internally to fill her role.
The diamond miner and marketer announced last week that Head of Planning and Business Development Richard Lawson became its new CFO on Oct. 1. He also has joined the De Beers plc Board and Executive Committee.
De Beers hired Lawson in 2017 as group financial controller.
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The diamond miner and marketer announced last week that Head of Planning and Business Development Richard Lawson became its new CFO on Oct. 1. He also has joined the De Beers plc Board and Executive Committee.
De Beers hired Lawson in 2017 as group financial controller.
Prior to his time with the company, he trained as a chartered accountant at PwC before joining the Thermal Coal unit of Anglo American, De Beers’ parent company.
There, he ran the finance department and supported the business’ transformation as it split off from Anglo American.
De Beers CEO Al Cook said, “I would like to thank Sarah for everything she has contributed to De Beers during her time as CFO.
“She strengthened our finance organization, strengthened our business and strengthened our balance sheet, underpinning the company’s long-term success. I would like to wish her well for her future.”
He called Lawson a “strong and experienced successor.”
“Richard has worked closely with Sarah over the past three years and has an outstanding understanding of De Beers and its businesses. The continuity, knowledge, and leadership he brings to the role will be of great value as we position De Beers for growth,” Cook said.
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