De Beers Group has announced key leadership changes as Chief Operating Officer Burger Greeff prepares to retire at the end of the year, marking the close of a distinguished three-decade career with the company.
Kevin Smith, currently Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Strategy, will become Interim Chief Operating Officer from 1 December 2025. At the same time, Eirik Waerness, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, will take on expanded responsibilities as Acting Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Strategy.
Greeff joined De Beers in 1993 and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s technical innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability practices. CEO Al Cook praised his “integrity, foresight, and unwavering commitment,” noting that his legacy would endure across the organisation.
Smith, who joined De Beers in 1996, has held leadership roles across De Beers and Anglo American, contributing to major strategic initiatives such as the Upstream Origins strategy and the company’s organisational redesign.
Waerness, who joined De Beers in September 2025 after 12 years as Chief Economist at Equinor in Norway, will now oversee Global Communications, Government Affairs, Strategy & Business Development, and Global Market and Price Analysis.
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