De Beers Group, the well-known diamond company, has recently made headlines with the departure of two of its top executives. David Prager, the executive vice president and chief brand officer, and Ryan Perry, the acting executive vice president of strategy and innovation, have announced that they will be leaving De Beers in 2024. However, both Prager and Perry will remain on the executive committee to ensure a smooth transition of their responsibilities to other team members. Additionally, Prager will continue to serve as the chairman of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) until a new successor is elected by the NDC board. Although the reasons for their departure have not been revealed, their influential roles within the company make their departures significant.
David Prager has been a part of the De Beers team since 2006 and is widely recognized for his contributions in transforming the company’s purpose and brand over the past 17 years. His vision, creativity, and leadership have been instrumental in propelling De Beers forward. Prager successfully revamped the company’s brand and marketing strategy, effectively managed complex issues to build trust with stakeholders, and designed a sustainability framework that prioritized the protection of the natural world and the improvement of people’s lives. Additionally, Prager played a crucial role in deepening the connection between clients and De Beers’ diamonds. While his departure will undoubtedly be a loss for the company, his values and ability to foster consensus will continue to shape De Beers for years to come.
Ryan Perry, who has been part of De Beers since 2002, also boasts an impressive tenure within the company. Throughout his career, Perry has held various operational and strategic leadership positions across the value chain. His contributions to the De Beers Group have been exceptional, from tackling complex technical mining challenges to accurately predicting the future demand for diamonds. Perry has also played a pivotal role in bringing together different parties and successfully leading change programs, even during the challenges posed by the global pandemic. His expertise has been invaluable in understanding the nuances of the market and providing key insights into De Beers’ product strategy. Perry’s departure signifies the end of an era, and the company expresses its deep gratitude for his wide-ranging contributions.
In addition to these executive departures, De Beers has also announced the appointment of Tom Johnson as its new general counsel, effective January 1, 2024. Johnson will join the executive committee and oversee the company’s legal and company secretariat functions. This appointment reflects De Beers’ commitment to maintaining a strong leadership team and ensuring streamlined operations.
As De Beers bids farewell to Prager and Perry, it acknowledges their significant impact on the company’s success and growth. Their departures mark the beginning of a new chapter for De Beers, and the company is fully equipped to navigate this period of transition with the same dedication and innovation that it is renowned for. De Beers remains committed to upholding its position as a leader in the diamond industry and is optimistic about its future prospects.
Useful Links:
1. De Beers Group Website
2. Natural Diamond Council
