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.
The Latest
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
