Diamond producer De Beers has appointed Kevin Smith, currently corporate affairs & strategy executive VP, as interim COO, with effect from December 1. He succeeds Burger Greeff, who is retiring after 30 years with the group.

“As COO, Burger has brought integrity, strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to our purpose. His contributions have helped shape the future of our operations and inspired many across the business. Burger’s legacy is one of excellence, humility and service, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to Burger for his outstanding leadership.

“With Burger’s departure, I am delighted that Kevin Smith, a highly respected leader with an outstanding record of delivery, will take over the leadership of our operations. He brings a wealth of experience and a range of skills from nearly 30 years in the business, including working alongside our government partners in Botswana and in Namibia to drive success in our joint venture businesses," comments De Beers CEO Al Cook.

Eirik Waerness, currently chief economist and sevior VP, has, meanwhile, been appointed acting corporate affairs & strategy executive VP.

"With more than 12 years in chief economist roles and board experience across three major Norwegian government institutions, he brings a unique perspective shaped by global markets and institutional governance, and I very much look forward to benefitting from his expertise in his new role,” says Cook.

Greeff joined De Beers Group in August 1993 as a senior research officer at De Beers Consolidated Mines. Over his career with De Beers, he has held numerous leadership roles across the business, including senior research manager: strategic, GM at De Beers Marine SA and executive head of technical & sustainability. His leadership has spanned technical innovation, operational excellence and sustainability.

Smith, meanwhile, joined De Beers in 1996 and has held many leadership roles across both De Beers and Anglo American, including operational, technical and commercial positions. Most recently, as corporate affairs & strategy executive VP, he has been instrumental in leading the delivery of the Origins strategy. Prior to that, Kevin played a key role in developing the Upstream Origins strategy, as well as leading the organisational redesign programme across the group.

Waerness joined De Beers Group on September 1, this year, as sevior VP, chief economist, head of global market and price analysis. He joined De Beers Group from Equinor in Norway, where he held the role of chief economist for the past 12 years, as well as a period as head of strategy. De Beers says his vision, influence and analytical expertise have already helped to shape strategic direction at De Beers Group. In his new position, Waerness will expand his portfolio of responsibility to cover global communications, government affairs, strategy & business development and global market and price analysis.