MajorsDec 04, 2023
David Bouffard to Leave Signet, RJCSourcingDec 04, 2023
David Prager To Leave De Beers in 2024
Ryan Perry, who has been with De Beers since 2002, also will be leaving the company next year.
On Monday, De Beers announced the pending departure of two longtime executives, Ryan Perry, left, and David Prager.
London—After nearly two decades with De Beers Group, David Prager will leave the company next year, De Beers announced Monday.
Prager, currently executive vice president and chief brand officer, joined De Beers in September 2006 as director of communications.
Over the course of 17 years, he worked his way up, serving as global head of corporate affairs and then executive vice president of corporate affairs before being promoted to his current role in November 2020.
De Beers CEO Al Cook credited Prager with leading the transformation of the company’s purpose and its brand.
“Throughout his time at De Beers, David’s insight, creativity, and leadership have propelled us forward. He transformed our brand and marketing strategy; managed complex issues in a way that built trust with stakeholders and strengthened our reputation around the world; and he designed a sustainability framework that has protected the natural world, improved people’s lives and deepened our clients’ connection to our diamonds,” Cook said.
“While I will be very sorry to lose David, I know that his values and ability to build common ground will stay with De Beers for years to come. I would like to personally thank him for his outstanding contribution to the company.”
Prager will continue to serve on the company’s executive committee until March 2024 and will remain chairman of the Natural Diamond Council until the NDC’s board elects a successor.
De Beers did not give a reason for his departure, and Prager did not indicate where he will be headed next in a post shared Monday on LinkedIn, writing only, “Thank you De Beers! 17 years has been a terrific run and we’ve done wonderful things for our diamond clients and diamond communities.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to support my Exco colleagues through to March next year and rooting on their success … forever.”
Related stories will be right here …
Prager, currently executive vice president and chief brand officer, joined De Beers in September 2006 as director of communications.
Over the course of 17 years, he worked his way up, serving as global head of corporate affairs and then executive vice president of corporate affairs before being promoted to his current role in November 2020.
De Beers CEO Al Cook credited Prager with leading the transformation of the company’s purpose and its brand.
“Throughout his time at De Beers, David’s insight, creativity, and leadership have propelled us forward. He transformed our brand and marketing strategy; managed complex issues in a way that built trust with stakeholders and strengthened our reputation around the world; and he designed a sustainability framework that has protected the natural world, improved people’s lives and deepened our clients’ connection to our diamonds,” Cook said.
“While I will be very sorry to lose David, I know that his values and ability to build common ground will stay with De Beers for years to come. I would like to personally thank him for his outstanding contribution to the company.”
Prager will continue to serve on the company’s executive committee until March 2024 and will remain chairman of the Natural Diamond Council until the NDC’s board elects a successor.
De Beers did not give a reason for his departure, and Prager did not indicate where he will be headed next in a post shared Monday on LinkedIn, writing only, “Thank you De Beers! 17 years has been a terrific run and we’ve done wonderful things for our diamond clients and diamond communities.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to support my Exco colleagues through to March next year and rooting on their success … forever.”
De Beers announced the departure of another longtime executive on Monday.
Ryan Perry, who has been with the company since 2002, also will leave De Beers in 2024.
In his 21 years with De Beers, Perry has worked in a number of operational and strategic leadership roles. His current title is acting executive vice president of Strategy & Innovation.
“From tackling technical mining challenges to predicting the future of diamond demand, Ryan has contributed outstandingly across the De Beers Group,” Cook said.
“He has always been effective in bringing different parties to work together successfully, leading change programs during the global pandemic, leading strategy development and leading the creation of the Diamonds for Development Fund in Botswana.”
The Diamonds for Development Fund was established as part of the new sales agreement between De Beers and the Botswana government to help the country diversify its economy and create jobs outside the diamond industry.
Like Prager, Perry will remain on the executive committee during the transition.
Also on Monday, De Beers announced the appointment of Tom Johnson, current head of legal and company secretary, as general counsel.
As part of his new role, Johnson joins the executive committee.
Johnson is based in the United Kingdom and first joined De Beers in 2016 as part of Element Six.
During his time with De Beers, Cook said Johnson has demonstrated an “unparalleled understanding” of the complexities that come with being a 135-year-old company with a global footprint, and of the opportunities to simplify the company.
He also led the management of legal issues and negotiations in Botswana as De Beers was working out the new sales agreement there.
“I am confident Tom is the right person to shape a streamlined focus to our corporate structure, while maintaining our proud position as an ethical leader of the diamond industry. I look forward to welcoming him to the executive committee,” Cook said.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
Weekly QuizMar 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office WearThe “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800sBreitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
AuctionsMar 19, 2025
10-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Expected to Sell for $20MDubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSAThe American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.
CollectionsMar 18, 2025
Beck Debuts New Collection as Trove’s Latest Designer-in-ResidenceRebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.
ColumnistsMar 18, 2025
Peter Smith: The Importance of Culture in HiringSmith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2025
Fink’s Jewelers Is Now a Regional Emmy WinnerThe company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.
WatchesMar 18, 2025
Citizen Announces New Modern Luxury Watch CategoryThe “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.
MajorsMar 18, 2025
Borsheims Names New Assistant IT ManagerDavid Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the IndustryFrom retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent AwardEleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VPJoseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 DaysThe trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
