• Kevin Smith named De Beers COO, replacing retiring Burger Greeff on Dec. 1
• Smith to oversee African operations amid diamond market slump and JV focus
• Leadership change follows talks on De Beers’ split from Anglo; Botswana eyes majority

De Beers said on Nov. 5 that Kevin Smith will become its next Chief Operating Officer.  He will replace Burger Greeff, who is retiring at the end of the year. Smith, currently Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Strategy, will take up the post on Dec. 1, 2025. He joined De Beers in 1996 and has nearly 30 years of experience with the company.

“With Burger’s departure, I am delighted that Kevin Smith, a highly respected leader with an outstanding track record of delivery, will take over the leadership of our operations,” said Al Cook, CEO of De Beers. “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.”

Navigating African Operations and Market Downturn

De Beers produces most of its diamonds in Africa through joint ventures, including Debswana in Botswana and Namdeb and Debmarine in Namibia. The group also operates in South Africa and is exploring new deposits in Angola.

Smith will oversee these operations at a time when the company faces a sharp downturn in the natural diamond market. Prices and demand remain weak, pressured by competition from lab-grown diamonds. In the first half of the year, De Beers reported $2 billion in revenue, down from $2.2 billion in the same period of 2024, underscoring the scale of the slowdown.

The leadership change comes as De Beers prepares for a possible split from Anglo American, which owns 85% of the diamond group. Discussions over the separation are under way. Botswana, which holds the remaining 15%, has said it intends to seek a majority stake, while Angola has announced it submitted a bid for a shareholding.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou