Bruce Cleaver has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the De Beers Group, following Philippe Mellier’s decision to step down after five years with the diamond company. The appointment will take effect on 1 July 2016, according to a press release from the company.
Cleaver served as De Beers’ executive director responsible for strategy and commercial relationships until 2015, and served as Co-Acting CEO for a year prior to Philippe Mellier’s appointment in 2011. He was appointed Group Director of Strategy and Business Development for Anglo American in 2015, continues the press release.
“Bruce’s leadership of De Beers’ strategy and its commercial and government relationships working alongside Philippe and over much of the last decade, combined with his time working with us to shape the new Anglo American strategy, provide strong continuity at an important stage in the diamond market’s recovery. The structural dynamics of the diamond market continue to improve, led by the strength of consumer demand for diamond jewelry. With the proven management team in place, De Beers is well positioned to maximize value for all its stakeholders across the diamond value chain,” says Chief Executive of Anglo American and Chairman of De Beers Mark Cutifani.
“I am honored to be asked to lead one of the world’s great companies. Diamonds are as relevant to today’s consumers, all over the world, as they were to their parents and their parents before them. Diamonds have also made positive contributions to a host of countries that have used their revenues wisely, to communities and to all who have been touched by their mystique and the practical benefits of responsible mining and ethical sourcing. As the world continues to evolve ever more rapidly, it is our task to ensure that we remain as relevant as we are today and to grow our position in the luxury world,” notes Cleaver.
“Having steered through some of the diamond industry’s toughest times and with the market showing signs of recovery, now is the right time for me to pass the baton to the next generation. I have worked closely with Bruce Cleaver throughout and I have no doubt about his abilities and experience to lead De Beers on the next stage of its journey as the world’s leading diamond company,” concludes Mellier.
