De Beers Group appoints new CEO

by jacquie_dealmeida | May 27, 2016 8:43 am

De Beers CEO Philippe Mellier has stepped down after five years.

The announcement comes following a report[1] in a French newspaper last month that Air France was considering him for its top job.

According to a press release, Mellier is following through on a five-year plan to lead De Beers. Cleaver’s appointment as CEO is effective July 1.

Cleaver is no stranger to the diamond industry. He served as the company’s executive director responsible for strategy and commercial relationships until 2015, also serving as co-acting CEO for a year prior to Mellier’s appointment in 2011. In 2015, he was appointed group director of strategy and business development for Anglo American.

“Together with our partners in De Beers, we congratulate Bruce Cleaver on his appointment as CEO of De Beers Group following Philippe Mellier’s decision to step down,” said Mark Cutifani, chief executive of Anglo American and chair of De Beers.

“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 jewellery. With the proven management team in place, De Beers is well-positioned to maximize value for all its stakeholders across the diamond value chain.”

Cleaver said he was honoured by the appointment.

“I look forward to working closely with all of our key customers, governments, and other stakeholders to ensure De Beers continues to lead the industry into a new and exciting phase,” he said. “My sincere thanks to Philippe—his innovative thinking, constant questioning of the status quo, and desire to advance the agenda has benefited all of us, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him.

“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 we remain as relevant as we are today and to grow our position in the luxury world.”

Mellier said he is confident in Cleaver’s ability to lead De Beers and is leaving the company in good hands.

“I have been privileged to lead such an iconic company as De Beers with its rich history, great people and culture, and truly unique product offering,” he added. “As I committed at the outset in 2011, I envisaged a five-year plan with the team and the board to reset De Beers on its current path. 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.”

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/de-beers-mellier-resigns-as-ceo/

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