Cleaver new MD of De Beers Group

The new man leading the De Beers Group, Bruce Cleaver, started out as a partner in the commercial practice of South African law firm, Webber Wentzel. On Friday last week, De Beers announced that Cleaver is the new Group Managing Director.
His predecessor, Philippe Mellier has stepped down after five years as MD. Cleaver’s appointment is effective 01 July 2016.
Cleaver served as De Beers’ executive director responsible for strategy and commercial relationships until 2011, also serving as Co-acting CEO for a year prior to Mellier’s appointment in 2011. He was appointed Group Director of Strategy and Business Development for Anglo American in 2015.
Mark Cutifani, the Chief Executive of Anglo American and Chairman of De Beers, said: “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. Bruce’s leadership of De Beers’ strategy and its commercial and government relationships working alongside Philippe 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 maximise value for all its stakeholders across the diamond value chain.”
Cleaver said “I am honoured 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 [benefit] communities and to all who have been touched by their mystique. The practical benefits of responsible mining and ethical sourcing 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.
“I look forward to working closely with all our key customers, governments and other stakeholders to ensure that De Beers continues to lead the industry into a new and exciting phase.”